Greetings to all patrons and soon-to-be patrons! Southwest Shakespeare Company is preparing for our 16th Season and getting very excited, as I know many of you are, for a season that promises to offer something for everyone, including those who don't like Shakespeare! Hard to imagine such people, I know, but many have said that THE COMPLEAT WORKS OF WLLM SHKSPR (abridged) is for those who love the Bard and those who hate him (both of you out there)but it is pure rollicking entertainment regardless. Of course our first show, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, needs no introduction. The title says it all, and it is the Bard's shortest play: fast, hilarious, action-packed. JULIUS CAESAR will be set in the American Civil War period to emphasize the themes of assassination, loyalty, personal advancement vs. the public good, and, of course....civil war. BLITHE SPIRIT is surely for those who want great entertainment, and a break from Shakespeare. But don't let the laughs fool you, there is a lot of heart in this play, with themes of time, memory, the persistence of love, and the after-life. Winding up the season is the unforgettable tragedy of RICHARD III, with Richard Baird in the title role. Those of you who have seen Richard on our stage in recent years playing such roles as Iago, Cyrano de Bergerac, Petruchio, Tartuffe, Leontes, and many others, know that this performance cannot be missed! So, as prep continues, as we engage the finest actors, designers, and technicians to present the finest in classical theatre, we know you will want to subscribe to this most wonderful and promising season. Hurry, though, as subscriptions are selling fast and you will want to reserve the best seats!