Love, Loss, Mistaken Identity, Tears, Joy and Reconciliation: Hudson Valley Shakespeare Announces 2008 Season

GARRISON, N.Y., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovers separated by social mores and angry parents; identities mistaken and revealed; love scorned and love found; the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 22nd season with the brilliantly told romance of Cymbeline and the delightful gender-bending comedy Twelfth Night.

Cymbeline, directed by Festival Artistic Director Terrence O'Brien, runs June 10 - August 30. Twelfth Night, directed by John Christian Plummer, runs June 18 - August 31. The plays run in repertory throughout the season. Performances begin at 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 8pm Friday - Saturday; and 6pm Sunday.

In addition, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) runs for 10 performances, July 22 - August 28.

The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has inspired and delighted audiences with its vigorously original interpretations of the great works of William Shakespeare for twenty-one seasons to critical acclaim. Mr. O'Brien maintains a commitment to making the timeless plays accessible to all audiences. "We want audiences to feel the same way about this work as we do," explained O'Brien. "We work to eliminate the affectation so often associated with Shakespeare. That combined with keeping the productions lively and sharing our own excitement about the work has helped us reach more and more people. You know it's working when you not only have people return season after season, but they say 'thank you' when they leave!"

Perched high above the Hudson River on the grounds of the historic 19th Century Boscobel estate in Garrison, NY, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is the region's only professional resident Shakespeare company, lauded as one of the finest Festivals of its kind in the United States. Using the dramatic views of the Hudson Highlands as near perfect backdrops, the Festival presents unparalleled productions under an open-air tent theater. To make the experience even more unique, audience members are invited to arrive two hours early to enjoy a picnic meal -- with one of the most spectacular al fresco views -- on the grounds of Boscobel.

Ticket prices are $28-$44. Tickets are available through the HVSF Box Office, 845-265-9575 (the box office opens April 28). Discounts are available for groups, students, senior citizens and children 12 and under.

For information about the 2008 Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival and their ongoing Education and Community Outreach Programs call (845) 265-7858 or www.hvshakespeare.org