Bursting with the sounds of R&B and gospel, Best of Both Worlds is a soulful re-envisioning of The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare’s timeless story of heartbreak and redemption. Clap your hands, jump out of your seat, and feel the power of love with this holiday treat for all ages.
Best of Both Worlds takes us on a journey through the rich musical tapestry of R&B, rediscovering Shakespeare’s characters with smooth sounds and funky beats. When jealousy rips apart love and friendship, only the revelatory power of gospel can restore the enduring bonds of faith, family, and forgiveness.
The production will feature a rotating roster of Boston’s most celebrated gospel choirs, including community, university, and church choirs from throughout the city.
Best of Both Worlds cast members give a special holiday performance at Macy's!
Artistic Director Diane Paulus on Best of Both Worlds
"(Best of Both Worlds) will astound you with its soulful sounds and brilliantly accessible, edge-of-your-seat storytelling. This production's going to have you jumping for joy....An experience you don't want to miss." -Boston Metro
From the clamorous arrival of some ghetto hot wheels to a scorching gospel finale, Best of Both Worlds warms up The Winter's Tale.
Boston Globe review of Best of Both Worlds: "This gospel and R&B adaptation of “The Winter’s Tale’’ is a rousing testament to the power of song to illuminate every corner of the human heart."
"Imagine Shakespeare crossed with Dream Girls. Now turn up the heat a notch: that's what we have here..." - EDGE Boston
"Maybe it's also true that behind every great woman, there's a man." - Wicked Local
"William Shakespeare would have rolled over in his grave if he had heard last night's performance of Best of Both Worlds at the A.R.T.- but only to get his ear closer to the magnificent sound!" - Boston Theater Review
| CAST | |
| Ezekiel | Gregg Baker |
| Serena/Daughter of Joy | Jeannette Bayardelle |
| Violetta/Daughter of Joy | Mary Bond Davis |
| Mamillius | Sebastien Lucien |
| Rain | Brianna Horne |
| Camillo/The Bear | Nikkieli DeMone |
| 8-Ball/Tariq | Lawrence Stallings |
| Sweet Daddy/Narrator | Cleavant Derricks |
| Maurice | Darius de Haas |
| MUSICIANS | |
| Keyboard | Michael Mitchell |
| Guitar | James Peterson |
| Fred Woodard | |
| Bass | Wesley Wirth |
| Drums | Yoron Israel |
| CREDITS | |
| Scenic Design | Riccardo Hernandez |
| Costume Design | Emilio Sosa |
| Lighting Design | Aaron Black |
| Sound Design | Brett Jarvis |
| Music Director | Michael Mitchell |
| Associate Music Director/Choir Coordinator | David Freeman Coleman |
| Movement | Tracy Jack |
| Line Producers | Ariane Barbanell |
| Chris De Camillis | |
| Dramaturgs | Ryan McKittrick |
| Beck Holden | |
| Assistant Dramaturgs | Laura Henry |
| Joe Pindelski | |
| Assistant Directors | Allegra Libonati |
| Laura Savia | |
| Stage Manager | Katherine Shea |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Amanda Robbins-Butcher |
| Casting | Stephen Kopel |
| Music Copyist | Kevin Massey |
| Dialogue Coach | May Nazareno |
| Associate Sound Designer | Justin Stasiw |
| PRODUCTION | |
| Carpenters | Dan Black |
| Alan Boyer | |
| Tom Ibbitson | |
| George Kane | |
| Andrew Remillard | |
| Audio Engineers | Clive Goodwin |
| Jason Van Sleet | |
| Properties Intern | Katie Flemming |
| Assistant Charge Artist | Kristin Knutson |
| Audio Associates | Doug Mullen |
| Alexis Rodriguez-Carlson | |
| Scenic Painter | Katie Richmond |
| Wigmaster | Rachel Padula Shufelt |
Director's Note by Diane Paulus
A.R.T. Dramaturg Ryan McKittrick speaks with Diedre Murray, Composer of Best of Both Worlds.
Laura Henry interviews Best of Both Worlds composer Diedre Murray
Beck Holden discusses adaptations of The Winter's Tale
A.R.T. Dramaturg Ryan McKittrick interviews Diane Paulus and Randy Weiner about The Donkey Show and Best of Both Worlds
Artistic Director Diane Paulus introduces the Shakespeare Exploded! festival
Several of us from the A.R.T. trekked down to the big apple yesterday for the presentation at the end of a one-week workshop kindly hosted by the folks at The Public Theater.
64 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
1 free Cookie Platter with all catering orders and $2 off a purchase of any 2 pitas
