Piper Perabo To Star In Free Staged Reading Of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”

The Bay Street Shakespeare Initiative and Hamptons Shakespeare Festival have teamed up this summer for two free staged readings of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night, or What You Will” at Mashashimuet Park in Sag Harbor. The performances will star actress Piper Perabo as Viola.

“Last summer, the Bay Street Shakespeare Initiative’s outdoor reading of ‘The Tempest’ was one of the highlights of our season,” said Scott Schwartz, Artistic Director of Bay Street Theater. “I’m so pleased this summer to be partnering with the Hamptons Shakespeare Festival, as well as continuing our association with Mashashimuit Park, to present ‘Twelfth Night,’ one of the Bard’s most romantic and delightful comedies.”

“Twelfth Night, or What You Will” is Shakespeare’s uproarious romantic comedy, packed with unrequited love, disguise, and cross dressing. Schwartz will direct the performances, which will showcase original music and sound design by Hamptons Shakespeare Festival’s Artistic Director David M. Brandenburg.

“Considered by many to be the greatest playwright of all time, Shakespeare’s plays are as entertaining and relevant today as they have ever been,” noted Schwartz. “With this presentation and new partnership, Bay Street Theater continues its commitment to bringing captivating, professional classical theater to the East End.”

Golden Globe nominated Piper Perabo currently stars in the USA Network hit “Covert Affairs.” She made her stage debut in May 2009, in Neil Labute’s controversial play “Reasons to be Pretty,” directed by Terry Kinney. Perabo co-stared alongside Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski and Pablo Schreiber.

Last year’s reading of “The Tempest.” (Photo: Samantha Young)

“We are very excited by the new partnership with Bay Street and look forward to producing Shakespeare together,” shared Brandenburg. Hamptons Shakespeare Festival has produced ten seasons of free outdoor Shakespeare in Montauk and Southampton, and since 2006 has focused on touring theater for young audiences, educational programs, and co-productions.

The free staged readings will take place on Friday, August 14th and Saturday, August 15th, beginning at 7 p.m. A VIP benefit, which includes a “Twelfth Night” reading and reception with the cast, will take place on Sunday, August 16th. Tickets are $250.

Mashashimuet Park is located at the intersection of Main Street and Jermain Avenue in Sag Harbor. For more information, call 631-725-0818 or visit www.baystreet.org.