New Village Arts Theatre Takes Free Shakespeare in the Park to Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, CA, August 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) New Village Arts kicks off its twelfth season with the return of Shakespeare in the Park and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Executive Artistic Director Kristianne Kurner has set Shakespeare's romantic comedy in 1945 on a ranchero in Carlsbad. The famous feuding lovers Beatrice and Benedick (Kristin Woodburn, making her NVA debut, and Max Macke) duke it out in vintage Carlsbad style. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING will be playing on the lawn at Pacific Ridge School, located at 6269 El Fuerte Street, in the Bressi Ranch area of Carlsbad, from August 2 - 12, 2012. Performances run Thursdays through Sundays, starting at 7:00 p.m., with the official opening night on August 2. Reserved seats are available for $20. Lawn seats are $5 in advance, or free on-site on the night of the performances.

The cast, one of the largest that NVA has ever assembled for an experience in the park, features some of San Diego's finest actors, including NVA Ensemble Members Justin Lang and Amanda Morrow as Claudio and Hero. The cast also includes five San Diego students, including two from Pacific Ridge School.

"We are proud to serve as the venue of choice and as a community partner for the New Village Arts Theatre production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING," said Dr. Bob Ogle, co-head of school, Pacific Ridge School. "At Pacific Ridge School, we emphasize the whole student, and this includes a thorough appreciation of and participation in the arts. We are proud that two Pacific Ridge School students have been selected to perform in this play, alongside such an exceptional line-up of actors."

The grounds will open at 6:00 p.m. and picnics are welcome. Attendees are invited to park at the Torrey Pines Bank in the Bressi Ranch shopping center (2760 Gateway Road, Carlsbad, 92009), with complimentary shuttle service running before and after the show. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Flippin' Pizza and Goody Van food trucks, providing pizza, cupcakes and coffee, respectively. Alcohol is not permitted; however, blankets and sweaters are encouraged.

Tickets may be purchased at http://www.NewVillageArts.org or by calling 760-433-3245.

About New Village Arts Theatre
New Village Arts has produced seven previous Shakespeare in the Park productions, including AS YOU LIKE IT (twice), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, TWELFTH NIGHT, THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, HAMLET and JULIUS CAESAR in such locations as Carlsbad's Stagecoach Park, La Costa Canyon High School's amphitheatre, and at both Moonlight's outdoor amphitheatre and indoor Avo Playhouse. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING will be the first time NVA has produced this show and the first time presenting on the beautiful lawn at Pacific Ridge School. The inspiration for FREE Shakespeare in the Park in North County came from Executive Artistic Director Kristianne Kurner's time in graduate school in New York City, when annual trips to the Public Theatre in Central Park were a favorite pastime.

About Pacific Ridge School:
Opened in the fall of 2007, Pacific Ridge School is a non‐profit, independent middle and high school located in the North County, San Diego. With the distinctive mission of building a community that fosters academic excellence, ethical responsibility and global engagement, Pacific Ridge offers a first-rate educational experience to prepare students for college and a purposeful life. For more information, visit http://www.pacificridge.org. Pacific Ridge School does not discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other administered programs.