'King' of tragedies in Cedar City | The Salt Lake Tribune

Theater • Southern Utah University adds "King Lear" atop the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

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The summit of perhaps all William Shakespeare's great tragedies, "King Lear" comes to the Adams Shakespearean Theatre at Southern Utah University, complementing the riches already on offer through the Utah Shakespeare Festival's fall season. This production is directed by Peter Sham, fresh off the London West End summer opening of the "Lend Me a Tenor the Musical," an adaptation of Ken Ludwig's beloved play that Sham co-wrote with Brad Carroll.

Sham's directorial take on "Lear" will play to both the outer elements of the tragedy, which must be immediately and communicable to audiences, as well as the more intense inner workings of the character's souls. "To that end," Sham states in press materials, "SUU's adaptation promises several surprises never before seen in any production of 'King Lear' in history." Helping Sham bring that vision to the fore will be set designer Brian Jude and costume designer Kaylin James. Payden Adams plays the title role, with Jenny Smith as the Fool. —

"King Lear" at SUU

When • 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and 30 ; and Oct. 1, 7-8.

Where • Adams Shakespearean Theatre, Southern Utah University, 351 W. University Blvd., SUU campus, Cedar City.

Tickets • $5-$10. Call 435-586-7872 or visit www.suu.edu/arts for more information.