Asolo Conservatory's 'Twelfth Night' comes to Bradenton

Every year, Sarasota's FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training produces a bite-sized version of a familiar Shakespeare play and takes it on the road, performing primarily for students around the state to give them exposure to the works of the world's greatest playwright.

It's called the New Stages program, and even though its target audience is school groups, it's every bit as entertaining, appealing and edifying for adults -- even those who are very familiar with Shakespeare's work. The performances are almost always exceptional, and the adaptations are impressive, taking the hours-long plays down to 45-minutes without losing their essence.

This year's play is "Twelfth Night," and it's coming to Bradenton for shows on Friday and Saturday. These performances are billed as "Shakespeare Under the Stars," but the stars are the ersatz ones on the dome of the Bishop Planetarium at the South Florida Museum.

It was adapted and directed by Jen Wineman, who also directed last year's New Stages production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

"Twelfth Night" is one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies, involving romance and mistaken identities.

Tickets are inexpensive, but Saturday's matinee is a real bargain. You can get a free child's ticket when you buy one adult ticket.

Details: Nov. 13-14, South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Show times: 7 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday. Tickets: $10 adult, $5 children. Information: 941-746-4131, southfloridamuseum.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Asolo Conservatory's 'Twelfth Night' comes to Bradenton ."