255. Tom Ridgely: Producing Artistic Director of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival

Tom Ridgely, Producing Artistic Director of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, stopped by to talk to Nancy about the 2021 festival its adjustments due to Covid. The Festival this year includes a main stage Shakespeare in the Park performance of King Lear, which stars Tony, Grammy & Emmy winner André De Shields and is Directed by Carl Cofield.  King Lear will run June 2nd through June 27th in Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. Also discussed, is the 2021 touring production of Othello, and the Shakespeare in the Streets program, which will focus this year on The Ville neighborhood.  Shakespeare in the Streets is a "grassroots theatrical experience that invites St. Louis neighborhoods to tell their stories. A Festival-selected creative team leads the neighborhood in developing an original play based on one of Shakespeare's works—a play with themes that reflect the community's character." Nancy and Tom also discuss the history of the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival.