Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline' to tour Milwaukee during Shakespeare in the Park 🎭

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Optimist Theatre, the group behind Milwaukee's free Shakespeare in the Park, revealed in a Friday, May 19 press release that its 2023 summer production will be Shakespeare's romantic-yet-tragic play, "Cymbeline."

The show will be part of the company's touring series, which has previously showcased "A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Lovers’ Tale" and "Twelfth Night: Or, What She Will."

The play, set to open on Friday, July 9, and run through Sunday, Aug. 13, will travel to numerous outdoor locations throughout the greater Milwaukee area. Audiences can expect performances at Alverno College, Forest Home Cemetery, the Marcus Performing Arts Center lawn and various parks.

Performances are free, but registration online is advised due to limited seating capacity.

M.L. Cogar, Optimist Theatre's resident dramaturg, will direct "Cymbeline," describing the play as "a dark fairy tale -- a wronged princess, young lovers torn apart, an angry king who needs to learn kindness." Cogar added that their rendition will "highlight the story that centers on the characters and their relationships," allowing their small cast to bring the epic tale to life.

More details about the production can be found on the Optimist Theatre website.