Bozeman Magazine

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks announced its longest summer tour season to date with performances of two classic plays in 2023, one of which is new to the performance group. 

In its 51st season, the traveling theater group, which is an outreach program of Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture, will perform Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” and the action-packed “The Three Musketeers,” by Robert Kauzlaric, which is based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. 

The tour opens June 14-17 in Bozeman with four nights of “Measure for Measure,” followed by “The Three Musketeers” performances June 21-24. The shows will start at 8 p.m. at the MSU Grove, located east of the Duck Pond on South 11th Avenue. 

MSIP last performed “Measure for Measure” in 2000. Kevin Asselin, MSIP’s executive artistic director, said he chose “The Three Musketeers” to show young audience members a coming-of-age story that they could relate to that also includes exciting action and adventure. 

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for young people to see themselves reflected on stage with ‘The Three Musketeers,’” Asselin said. 

“The Three Musketeers” follows lead character D’Artagnan as he leaves his rural home to join the Musketeers in their quest to protect the king of France from tyrants. 

“Measure for Measure” is a classic Shakespearean work, pitting people from different classes against each other.  

With opening night about two months out, the cast and crew are working hard to hit the road, according to Hannah Jacobsma, director of community access and engagement for MSIP. 

“We’re excited,” Jacobsma said. “We're thrilled to be able to continue after last year's 50th anniversary and launch into the next 50 years of bringing free live performances to communities across the Rocky Mountain West.”  

The troupe is scheduled for 78 shows in three months. Performances will be held in more than 60 communities in Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington. All the plays are performed in public spaces and are free and open to the public. 

To view a full tour schedule, visit: https://shakespeareintheparks.org//shakespeare-in-the-parks/