February 13, 2025 – April 19, 2025
“Which of you shall we say doth love us most?”
— King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1
Prepare to be swept into one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies, where family and power collide in a tale of betrayal, madness, and redemption.
As the aging King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, he sets off a chain of events that spirals into chaos.
What begins as a quest to secure his legacy turns into a tragic exploration of loyalty, love, and the consequences of blind ambition.
With visceral emotions and unforgettable characters, King Lear lays bare the complex ties that bind family members together—and tear them apart.
Witness Lear’s heartbreaking descent and the fateful decisions that echo across generations.
This timeless masterpiece will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the fragile balance of love and power within a family.
Run time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Age requirement: 7 and up. Read our full policies here.
Cast
Summer England is a gifted actor whose compelling and elegant performances light up the ASC stage and beyond.
Leah Gabriel is an inspiring actor known for her powerful and authentic performances that connect deeply with audiences at ASC and beyond.
Blake Henri is an accomplished actor who brings dynamic and captivating performances to ASC and beyond.
Versatile actor with a B.F.A. from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Theatre credits include King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, and The Brothers Size.
Charlene Hong White is a versatile actor who delivers compelling and memorable performances at ASC and beyond.
Angela Iannone is a celebrated actor, known for her nuanced performances and captivating presence at ASC and beyond.
Raven Lorraine is a dynamic performer whose captivating talent and bold storytelling shine on the ASC stage and beyond.
Joe Mucciolo is a skilled actor known for his nuanced performances that bring timeless stories to life at ASC and beyond.
Christopher Seiler is a seasoned actor and musician whose performances embody transformation and connection, captivating audiences at ASC and beyond.
Artistic Team
Paul Mason Barnes is a distinguished director whose innovative approach and deep understanding of the classics inspire productions at ASC and beyond.
Hailey Pearce, Fundraising & Development Manager at ASC, brings her passion for Shakespeare and experience in theatre to every patron interaction.
Thomas J. Coppola was part of the American Shakespeare Center from 2015 to 2025.
Brendan Cullen is an experienced stage manager whose expertise ensures seamless productions at ASC and theatres across the country.
Alexander Carey is a Stage Manager whose expertise and passion bring seamless productions to life at ASC and beyond.
Kelsea Sibold is a talented stage manager whose award-winning work brings precision and artistry to productions at ASC and beyond.
Conrad Gothard worked at the American Shakespeare Center from 2023 – 2026
Marie Lupia served at the American Shakespeare Center from 2022–2025.
Amy Monsalve is Wardrobe Manager & Design Assistant at the ASC, recognized for her attention to detail and passion for bringing costumes to life.
Trina Yager is the Costume Coordinator & Wardrobe Supervisor at the American Shakespeare Center.
D. Scarlet Frishman is a dedicated Wardrobe Assistant and versatile theatre artist with a passion for storytelling and costume design.
Doreen Bechtol is a seasoned movement consultant, actor, and educator with extensive experience in theatre, choreography, and original devised works.
Summer England is a gifted actor whose compelling and elegant performances light up the ASC stage and beyond.
Haley Fentriss Roberts is an accomplished Intimacy Choreographer dedicated to fostering meaningful connections on stage at ASC and beyond.
Fight Choreographer
Colleen Kelly is an accomplished fight choreographer and director whose extensive experience with ASC spans over two decades.
Acting Fellow
Rebecca Bailey is a versatile performer and theatre artist whose dynamic talent shines in productions at ASC and beyond.
Lydia Sophia Christensen is a dynamic performer whose versatility and passion bring captivating characters to life at ASC and beyond.
Andrew Steven Knight is a talented actor and educator whose dynamic performances and deep connection to Shakespearean theatre shine at ASC and beyond.
Kathleen Mitchell is a passionate performer whose compelling portrayals bring Shakespearean and contemporary characters to life at ASC and beyond.
Jake Raiter is a passionate performer whose dynamic talent and love for storytelling bring Shakespearean & contemporary works to life at ASC & beyond.
Pete Sheldon is a versatile performer and musician whose passion for Shakespearean theatre and dynamic storytelling shine at ASC and beyond.
Austin Sweatman is a multifaceted theatre artist whose talents as a performer, director, and fight choreographer bring innovative storytelling to ASC
Larisa West is a passionate performer whose dynamic talent and dedication to storytelling shine at ASC and beyond.
Becca Westbrook is a versatile performer and director whose passion for storytelling and Shakespearean theatre shines at ASC and beyond.
Shakespeare’s King Lear is a masterful exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit. This timeless story, though celebrated for its emotional depth and dramatic power, includes mature themes that may be intense for younger audiences. While this production is recommended for ages 7 and up, parents may want to consider the following elements before attending:
- The aging King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, based on who loves him most.
- Goneril and Regan (Lear’s eldest daughters) flatter him with false praise, while Cordelia (Lear’s youngest daughter) refuses to embellish her love. Lear disowns Cordelia, banishes his loyal servant Kent for defending her, and splits the kingdom between Goneril and Regan.
- Meanwhile, Gloucester’s illegitimate son, Edmund, schemes to overthrow his father and frame his brother Edgar as a traitor, forcing Edgar to flee in disguise.
- Lear’s retirement quickly sours. Goneril tires of his unruly entourage and demands he dismiss his knights, prompting him to curse her and seek refuge with Regan.
- Lear, Regan, and Goneril all convene at Gloucester’s, where Regan refuses to house even fifty of Lear’s followers.
- Lear storms out into the night, accompanied by the Fool and Kent, now in disguise. Regan and Goneril tell Gloucester to “shut up his doors” and leave Lear to the elements.
- Cordelia raises an army in France to rebel against Regan and Goneril and rescue Lear, but betrayal runs rampant: Edmund turns on Gloucester, who is blinded, and the sisters vie for Edmund’s favor.
- Chaos erupts as storms, battles, and heartbreak ensue…
A Performance for the Ages Reviewers and audiences alike are raving about this production — and especially about Angela Iannone’s gripping portrayal of Lear. DC Theater Arts critic Andrew Walker White praises Iannone’s command of the role. Read all about it in our Blog.
