Benefit for Marin Summer Theater Opens Season

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Published in the The Novato Advance - June 16, 2010

‘Complete Works of Shakespeare’ to be performed June 19

Marin Summer Theater (MST) opens its second season Saturday, June 19, with a special one-night performance of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).”  Proceeds from the performance will go toward MST’s scholarship fund and will be used to reduce tuition so more students can afford to participate in MST without regard to economic status.

Reprising a sold-out performance earlier this spring, actors Danny Weinberg, Fernando Sui and Matthew Puccini of San Rafael will take the audience through 37 plays in a 90-minute free-for-all, making mincemeat of the Bard. Improvisation, audience participation, pop culture, and local references are in store, as well as the fastest, funniest, “Hamlet” you’re likely to see. (Warning: watch for sock puppets and audience participation.)

According to artistic director Patrick Nims, the evening is an opportunity to enjoy a show and to help extend theater to young people from all over the North Bay.

“MST draws the best young performers in the area, and it is one of the least expensive programs around,” says Nims. “But every year we’ve encountered very talented students who cannot meet the tuition. It is our goal to raise enough funds through benefits and donations to eliminate tuition in future years.”

MST is an evening program for students of performing arts between the ages of 13 and 23 and includes actors, singers, dancers, musicians, directors, designers, technicians, and crew. The 2010 regular season will begin July 8 with performances of the musical “Chicago” followed on July 22 by the beloved comedy, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and “Some Enchanted Evening – The Songs and Dance of Rodgers and Hammerstein” on July 29. The MST program is sponsored by San Marin Music Boosters with support from San Marin High School and the Novato Unified School District.

Nims admits to being very excited about the 2010 company and productions. “We have about 70 members in the company this year from more than 20 schools and universities. The shows are very challenging, but equally fun for the cast and crews. This year we are welcoming two new directors and a choreographer.”

In addition to the show, the evening will include surprise performances, raffles for season tickets, reserved seats and more. Ticket sales and information on this benefit and the entire MST 2010 season can be found on the MST website, www.marinsummertheaterorg.