Bakersfield Californian
Camille Gavin: Mountain Shakespeare Fest on the rise
by CAMILLE GAVIN, contributing columnist
e-mail: gavinarts@aol.com | Wednesday, Jun 25 2008 10:42 AM
Last Updated: Wednesday, Jun 25 2008 10:42 AM
Some local residents may be surprised to learn, as I was, that a budding Shakespeare festival awaits them at the top of the Grapevine and that it’s now in its
third season. A few years ago I wrote a few lines about live theater performances in the Frazier Park area but had no idea it’s grown into what is now called the
Mountain Shakespeare Festival.
True, the festival is still in its formative stages, with performances on weekends only from July 5 to 27, outdoors at Pine Mountain Club.
Even so, Peter Kjenaas, the artistic director, thinks it has the potential to become an attraction equal to that of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland,
Ore., which draws people from all over the country during its 10-month season. The director is no stranger to Ashland, having spent three seasons there
playing lead roles. He’s also got solid professional credits, with memberships in the Dramatists Guild, Screen Actors Guild, and Actors Equity Association.
Kjenaas believes Frazier Park itself could well be the biggest draw for a festival, given the beauty of its natural environment and its location, only an hour’s
drive from either Bakersfield or the northernmost communities of Los Angeles.
“We’re trying to get folks to see it as a great weekend getaway, a place where the whole family can have fun and breathe clean air,” said Kjenaas, who has
lived in the area for the past eight years. He and his wife, actress-teacher Michelle Morain, are the parents of two children.
“We had been living this theatrical lifestyle — 15 days here, 15 days there — and we realized we couldn’t do that anymore,” he said. “So we moved here in
2000, then we adopted twins from Bolivia, a boy and a girl.”
Many of those in the festival’s company live in the mountain community, including a number of Frazier Park High School students. As for the more experienced
actors, several involved in this summer’s productions — “Comedy of Errors” and “You Can’t Take it With You” on alternating weekends — will be familiar to
Bakersfield theatergoers.
One is Bob Kempf, who is directing “Comedy of Errors.” He has been involved with Bakersfield College’s Kern Shakespeare Festival and has acted in and
directed productions at other local venues.
Among the actors appearing are Roger Mathey, former manager of Spotlight Theatre; Don McClure, who played the lead role in BC’s “Hamlet”; and Joe
Mitchell, who was in the cast of “You Can’t Take it With You.” That show, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, just finished a three-week run at
Spotlight, and was directed by Kempf. Kjenaas, however, will direct the Mountain Shakespeare Festival’s production of the play, which opens July 11.
Coupling an Elizabethan play with a 20th century comedy may seem a bit odd. But, says Kjenaas, they are linked by a common thread.
“They are both about the uniting of very different worlds and the coming together of different walks of life,” he said.
Both, he added, have enjoyed a rich and successful production history.
Performances are on a thrust stage that has been added to the gazebo at Pine Mountain Club. Chair seating is provided.
© 2011 The Mountain Shakespeare Festival (tm) all rights reserved
Camille Gavin: Mountain Shakespeare Fest on the rise
by CAMILLE GAVIN, contributing columnist
e-mail: gavinarts@aol.com | Wednesday, Jun 25 2008 10:42 AM
Last Updated: Wednesday, Jun 25 2008 10:42 AM
Some local residents may be surprised to learn, as I was, that a budding Shakespeare festival awaits them at the top of the Grapevine and that it’s now in its
third season. A few years ago I wrote a few lines about live theater performances in the Frazier Park area but had no idea it’s grown into what is now called the
Mountain Shakespeare Festival.
True, the festival is still in its formative stages, with performances on weekends only from July 5 to 27, outdoors at Pine Mountain Club.
Even so, Peter Kjenaas, the artistic director, thinks it has the potential to become an attraction equal to that of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland,
Ore., which draws people from all over the country during its 10-month season. The director is no stranger to Ashland, having spent three seasons there
playing lead roles. He’s also got solid professional credits, with memberships in the Dramatists Guild, Screen Actors Guild, and Actors Equity Association.
Kjenaas believes Frazier Park itself could well be the biggest draw for a festival, given the beauty of its natural environment and its location, only an hour’s
drive from either Bakersfield or the northernmost communities of Los Angeles.
“We’re trying to get folks to see it as a great weekend getaway, a place where the whole family can have fun and breathe clean air,” said Kjenaas, who has
lived in the area for the past eight years. He and his wife, actress-teacher Michelle Morain, are the parents of two children.
“We had been living this theatrical lifestyle — 15 days here, 15 days there — and we realized we couldn’t do that anymore,” he said. “So we moved here in
2000, then we adopted twins from Bolivia, a boy and a girl.”
Many of those in the festival’s company live in the mountain community, including a number of Frazier Park High School students. As for the more experienced
actors, several involved in this summer’s productions — “Comedy of Errors” and “You Can’t Take it With You” on alternating weekends — will be familiar to
Bakersfield theatergoers.
One is Bob Kempf, who is directing “Comedy of Errors.” He has been involved with Bakersfield College’s Kern Shakespeare Festival and has acted in and
directed productions at other local venues.
Among the actors appearing are Roger Mathey, former manager of Spotlight Theatre; Don McClure, who played the lead role in BC’s “Hamlet”; and Joe
Mitchell, who was in the cast of “You Can’t Take it With You.” That show, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, just finished a three-week run at
Spotlight, and was directed by Kempf. Kjenaas, however, will direct the Mountain Shakespeare Festival’s production of the play, which opens July 11.
Coupling an Elizabethan play with a 20th century comedy may seem a bit odd. But, says Kjenaas, they are linked by a common thread.
“They are both about the uniting of very different worlds and the coming together of different walks of life,” he said.
Both, he added, have enjoyed a rich and successful production history.
Performances are on a thrust stage that has been added to the gazebo at Pine Mountain Club. Chair seating is provided.
© 2011 The Mountain Shakespeare Festival (tm) all rights reserved
The Destiny of Love
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the quintessential tale of lovers
valiantly fighting against the external forces trying to thwart their
love. Not only do their families feud, but time and space seems to
conspire against them. They are indeed star-crossed and no matter
what they do or where they turn, their fates are sealed. Part of the
tragic tug these two young characters exert on our hearts stems from
that inevitability. We know from the first lines of the play that their
fortunes, written in the stars, have been predetermined. Still, we can’
t help but wish, each time through, that Romeo could indeed “Defy
the stars” and foil the destiny decreed by parents, society and the
universe.
Shakespeare here makes it clear that all of cosmology conspires
against these two. In a world of darkness, they see each other as
light. Juliet is Romeo’s “sun” and he to her is “day in night,” but
together they are like the “lightening, which doth cease to be ere one
can say it lightens.” They give each other light and heat, but like
supernovas, they implode and the darkness, inevitably returns. Their
struggle is like that of Sisyphus – and though at times it appears as
though they can steer their own course, their struggle is mythical and
they are ultimately unable to “shake the yoke of inauspicious stars.”
We watch as they push their rock of love up a mountain of obstacles,
hoping each time that the outcome will be different. But they’re
trapped in their story and their story remains the same. Much as we’
d like to redirect the outcome of their “death-mark’d love,” they are
indeed “fortune’s fools.” Shakespeare here reminds us that perhaps
we are too.
Holly Van Houten, MSF Dramaturgy
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the quintessential tale of lovers
valiantly fighting against the external forces trying to thwart their
love. Not only do their families feud, but time and space seems to
conspire against them. They are indeed star-crossed and no matter
what they do or where they turn, their fates are sealed. Part of the
tragic tug these two young characters exert on our hearts stems from
that inevitability. We know from the first lines of the play that their
fortunes, written in the stars, have been predetermined. Still, we can’
t help but wish, each time through, that Romeo could indeed “Defy
the stars” and foil the destiny decreed by parents, society and the
universe.
Shakespeare here makes it clear that all of cosmology conspires
against these two. In a world of darkness, they see each other as
light. Juliet is Romeo’s “sun” and he to her is “day in night,” but
together they are like the “lightening, which doth cease to be ere one
can say it lightens.” They give each other light and heat, but like
supernovas, they implode and the darkness, inevitably returns. Their
struggle is like that of Sisyphus – and though at times it appears as
though they can steer their own course, their struggle is mythical and
they are ultimately unable to “shake the yoke of inauspicious stars.”
We watch as they push their rock of love up a mountain of obstacles,
hoping each time that the outcome will be different. But they’re
trapped in their story and their story remains the same. Much as we’
d like to redirect the outcome of their “death-mark’d love,” they are
indeed “fortune’s fools.” Shakespeare here reminds us that perhaps
we are too.
Holly Van Houten, MSF Dramaturgy
Mountain Shakespeare Festival Opening June 22, 2011
By Sandra Siepak
For a great weekend getaway treat the entire family to one of the best theatre experiences about an hour’s
drive from the Valley on I-5N. Nestled in the Los Padres National Forest region at the top of the Grapevine, The
Mountain Shakespeare Festival at Pine Mountain Club will debut its 6th season. The outdoor Festival under the
stars will kick off summer 2011 featuring two new productions beginning June 22 through July 23. “Romeo and
Juliet and “Bullshot Crummond, “are plays everyone will enjoy. Both shows will feature professional actors and
gifted amateurs. This is a theatre experience you don’t want to miss!
Peter Kjenaas, Founder and Artistic Director for the Festival hopes this year will bring in the biggest
attendance to date and he is very proud of the productions being presented this year.
“Audiences will really enjoy the quality of our productions. Many of the performers cast in “Romeo and Juliet”
are close in age to the characters and are just wonderful in their roles. “Bullshot Crummond” is just hilarious. It’s
one of the funniest plays and I know audiences will love it. I think the adults especially will enjoy a good laugh
when they see this performance.”
Kjenaas, President of Nancy Cartwright’s Northridge-based Cartwright Entertainment is well versed in bringing
audiences first rate entertainment. His Shakespearean expertise includes playing many of the lead roles for
three seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and also both The California and Kern Shakespeare
Festival. In addition, he has worked on-camera in television and film and also directed “The Taming of the
Shrew” at The El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. Kjenaas promises audiences will thoroughly enjoy every
aspect of this theatre experience.
The Mountain Shakespeare Festival got its start in the summer of 2006 and since has grown in size and
popularity to become one of the best entertainment venues to visit here in California. Kjenaas, along with his
wife, actress and co-founder of MSF Michelle Morain, has paved the way for many local aspiring actors, writers
and directors as well as many long time professionals who are part of the Mountain Shakespeare cast
showcasing their talents. Morain, is the Director of Education for the Mountain Shakespeare Festival. She
along with co-founder Kat Fair, have put together an impressive cast for this year’s stage plays. Several of the
actors reside in the area and include high school students from Frazier Mountain High School. Kjenaas added
that many of the young adults are beginning their careers here with the Mountain Shakespeare Festival and are
quite talented.
“This group of young people is really passionate about the productions. Audiences will see a real freshness
in their performances. It’s really very exciting to see these actors reaching their peak. They are without a doubt
a really great group of talented performers.”
Set in its beautiful nature filled location, the Mountain Shakespeare Festival located in the Gazebo of Pine
Mountain Club offers summer stock theatre patrons a fun filled experience at a great price. Tickets for adults
are $12 and $10 for students and seniors. Children 10 and under are free. What a treat! The motto here is,
“Pine Mountain, Stay and Breathe a While.” You will be glad you did! In the surrounding community there are
great biking and hiking trails as well as shops and places to dine. There are many nearby hotels such as The
Old Bear Bed & Breakfast and the Holiday Inn Express as well as The Pine Mountain Club which offers
additional recreation including golf and swimming. Rooms are available for couples, families and pets too.
Tickets and additional information for the Mountain Shakespeare Festival productions as well as suggestions on
for weekend are available through their website at www.mountainshakes.org or call (661) 242-6904.
By Sandra Siepak
For a great weekend getaway treat the entire family to one of the best theatre experiences about an hour’s
drive from the Valley on I-5N. Nestled in the Los Padres National Forest region at the top of the Grapevine, The
Mountain Shakespeare Festival at Pine Mountain Club will debut its 6th season. The outdoor Festival under the
stars will kick off summer 2011 featuring two new productions beginning June 22 through July 23. “Romeo and
Juliet and “Bullshot Crummond, “are plays everyone will enjoy. Both shows will feature professional actors and
gifted amateurs. This is a theatre experience you don’t want to miss!
Peter Kjenaas, Founder and Artistic Director for the Festival hopes this year will bring in the biggest
attendance to date and he is very proud of the productions being presented this year.
“Audiences will really enjoy the quality of our productions. Many of the performers cast in “Romeo and Juliet”
are close in age to the characters and are just wonderful in their roles. “Bullshot Crummond” is just hilarious. It’s
one of the funniest plays and I know audiences will love it. I think the adults especially will enjoy a good laugh
when they see this performance.”
Kjenaas, President of Nancy Cartwright’s Northridge-based Cartwright Entertainment is well versed in bringing
audiences first rate entertainment. His Shakespearean expertise includes playing many of the lead roles for
three seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and also both The California and Kern Shakespeare
Festival. In addition, he has worked on-camera in television and film and also directed “The Taming of the
Shrew” at The El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. Kjenaas promises audiences will thoroughly enjoy every
aspect of this theatre experience.
The Mountain Shakespeare Festival got its start in the summer of 2006 and since has grown in size and
popularity to become one of the best entertainment venues to visit here in California. Kjenaas, along with his
wife, actress and co-founder of MSF Michelle Morain, has paved the way for many local aspiring actors, writers
and directors as well as many long time professionals who are part of the Mountain Shakespeare cast
showcasing their talents. Morain, is the Director of Education for the Mountain Shakespeare Festival. She
along with co-founder Kat Fair, have put together an impressive cast for this year’s stage plays. Several of the
actors reside in the area and include high school students from Frazier Mountain High School. Kjenaas added
that many of the young adults are beginning their careers here with the Mountain Shakespeare Festival and are
quite talented.
“This group of young people is really passionate about the productions. Audiences will see a real freshness
in their performances. It’s really very exciting to see these actors reaching their peak. They are without a doubt
a really great group of talented performers.”
Set in its beautiful nature filled location, the Mountain Shakespeare Festival located in the Gazebo of Pine
Mountain Club offers summer stock theatre patrons a fun filled experience at a great price. Tickets for adults
are $12 and $10 for students and seniors. Children 10 and under are free. What a treat! The motto here is,
“Pine Mountain, Stay and Breathe a While.” You will be glad you did! In the surrounding community there are
great biking and hiking trails as well as shops and places to dine. There are many nearby hotels such as The
Old Bear Bed & Breakfast and the Holiday Inn Express as well as The Pine Mountain Club which offers
additional recreation including golf and swimming. Rooms are available for couples, families and pets too.
Tickets and additional information for the Mountain Shakespeare Festival productions as well as suggestions on
for weekend are available through their website at www.mountainshakes.org or call (661) 242-6904.
PLEASE READ ABOUT THE
PLAYS AND PRODUCTIONS
FOR THE 2011 SEASON
BELOW.
PLAYS AND PRODUCTIONS
FOR THE 2011 SEASON
BELOW.