The New World

Shakespeare's "Tempest" with a Modern, Local Twist on Cherokee Street

Published: 04-27-2012

Your neighbors may be participating this weekend in this weekend's artful adaptation of the Shakespearian play, "The Tempest", titled the "New World".  If not, you will almost certainly see them in the audience this weekend at Cherokee and California.  We are the recipients of Shakespeare Festival - St. Louis' inaugural Shakespeare in the Streets project (Shake the Streets). Please come out to what promises to be an engaging experience of live theatre in the crucible of a "happening" neighborhood, bookended by Gravois Park and Benton Park West:

Thursday,  April 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (rehearsal);
Friday, April 27, at 8 p.m. opening performance (about 1 hour);
Saturday, April 28, at 8 p.m. (about 1 hour);
Sunday, April 29, at 3 p.m. (about 1 hour).

Bring lawn chairs and come to Cherokee and California.
For more details you can also consult: http://www.sfstl.com/whats-on/s-i-t-s/ 

California south of Cherokee will be shut off from vehicular traffic from 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, to 9 p.m. (or after) on Sunday, April 29.  And, California north of Cherokee about 150 feet will be closed off during the rehearsal on Thursday and during the performances.  The #73 Carondelet bus will also be redirected during these times and about an hour before and after the performances.

Although the street will be shut down to vehicular traffic during the above times, it is evident that people/customers will be directed to Cherokee Street who might not otherwise be there.  500 or so people, some of whom may be coming from throughout the region will be expecting to experience this never-before-seen reality theatre with a Shakespearean base.  They will be looking for a good experience, food and drink.  They are people who largely have an appreciation for the arts.  This is a great marketing opportunity for the whole street.  Businesses beyond the closed area might also consider having special events those nights and Sunday afternoon as well to capture the crowds.

This promises to be awesome.  I know there may be some disruption, but the marketing and extra potential customers and visitors to the neighborhoods that this brings, in addition to positive press is immeasurable.  We just need to charm the audience with what you have to offer; I know you can do it.

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