25 Years Under the Redwoods: The Origins of the Curtain Theatre

25 Years Under the Redwoods: The Origins of the Curtain Theatre

Founders John, Michele, and Don share the origins of Mill Valley’s Curtain Theatre and how a simple idea grew into 25 years of free Shakespeare under the redwoods. From the first As You Like It to today’s traditions, this episode celebrates the magic of theatre, music, and community that has defined a quarter-century of performances.

What Dreams Are Made Of

Our first podcast episode is with Curtain Theatre’s Dramaturg, Peter Bradbury. Peter helps us dive into the world of Midsummer Night’s Dream. We learn of the mythological and literary sources that inspired Shakespeare. Bradbury explains how the play’s structure—four interwoven plots involving young lovers, bumbling craftsmen, a royal wedding, and mischievous fairies—creates a complex yet harmonious tapestry. And, finally, we also hear that the play’s exploration of love, identity, and the dance between reality and dreams resonates just as much now as it did back in Shakespeare’s day. It’s like a reminder that some things—like the ups and downs of love—never really change, no matter how much time goes by. So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite chair, and tune in to the Curtain Theatre Podcast. Let Peter Bradbury take you on a journey through the magical, whimsical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream—where love, dreams, and a little bit of fairy dust make life all the more enchanting. #curtaintheatre #shakespeare #millvalley #midsummernightsdream #theatre #communitytheater

Alas, Love: Meet Romeo & Juliet

In our third episode we meet Romeo & Juliet, played by podcast host Nic Moore and Dale Leonheart. We learn a bit about what drew Dale and Nic to acting, a little of their process… and their passion for Shakespeare; Romeo + Juliet in particular. And we get a sneak–preview from Act I, Scene 5 — Romeo and Juliet meeting for the first time.

A Perfect Storm

Our second episode; Nic Moore (Romeo) speaks with the director of Romeo + Juliet, Stephen Beecroft. In this episode, Stephen shares about what drew him to directing for The Curtain Theatre, and a bit of his thought and vision of “the perfect storm” for the tragic, and hopefully cathartic, romance of Romeo and Juliet. You’ll learn how a trip to Italy sparks the idea for Stephen to bring out the development of the other characters of the story, and the environment itself, play into the “time and chance” of the disfunctional environment the young lovers are attempting to blossom in. Romeo and Juliet are the quiet eye of a raging hurricane; and the eventual outcome… is hope. #curtaintheatre #shakespeare #millvalley #romeoandjuliet #theatre #communitytheater

Beginnings: Thereby Hangs a Tale

We start with a historical look and the works of the passions that continue to create great outdoor theatre with the works of Shakespeare and our Mill Valley’s Curtain Theatre. #curtaintheatre #shakespeare #millvalley