Hudson Valley Shakespeare: Mountains Meet Stage Magic

Hudson Valley Shakespeare has unveiled its new Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center, an elegant open-air venue overlooking the Hudson River. The stage area lacks a rear wall, allowing the expansive natural landscape to become part of the performance. Audiences now experience productions with a view of blue hills and the river, often finding themselves discussing the weather.

The repertory season features "King Lear" and "As You Like It." "King Lear," directed by artistic director Davis McCallum, is praised for its beautifully observed portrayal of the aging king's final act. Kurt Rhoads delivers a tremendous performance as Lear, capturing his decline with depth and nuance, supported by actors like Zack Fine as Kent and Nance Williamson as the Fool.

In a parallel narrative, the Earl of Gloucester's story mirrors Lear's, with Howard W. Overshown as Gloucester, Keshav Moodliar as the wicked Edmund, and Eric Berryman as the virtuous Edgar. Berryman also appears as Oliver in "As You Like It," grounding both productions. Helen Cespedes, who plays Regan in "King Lear," also stars as Rosalind in "As You Like It."

McCallum conceived the pairing of these plays to explore shared themes of characters venturing into nature and discovering their true selves. Despite the charmingly landscaped setting, the venue's belvedere location encourages a contemplative pace, drawing attention between the stage and the distant mountains, fostering a unique connection between humanity and the earth.