It was Monday, December 10 at noon at the DiLorenzo residence, resplendent in holiday style for the season, the Christmas tree aglow. Golden tables replete with merry centerpieces festively awaiting their guests now mingling prior to the Pawling Shakespeare Club’s Annual Holiday Luncheon. The stage was set for the debut of a work in progress written by Shura Saul with Shakespeare Club members, directed by Marie DiLorenzo, President of the group.

Places!!!   Curtains Up!!!!

          Marie welcomed all and related that the theme of this performance, yet unnamed, was based on an ongoing study of Shakespeare’s soliloquies by cast members developed and written by Shura Saul:  Macbeth’s three witches open the skit  conjuring  up a “nutty” professor/scholar (Barry Schaffer) who calls upon his “students” to recite their soliloquy.  The fun begins.  After some clever, comedic banter, followed by lively, apt musical introductions (Dick Hoffman at the piano), each “student” presented their “study”.  Playing the “students” were Marie DiLorenzo, Myron Gershberg, Sam Weinstein, Sandy Duffy, Susan Stone, Pat Markowski, Nancy Sheridan, Susan Taylor, Rita Schaffer, Shura Saul, Forbes Linkhorn, Audrey Salisbury, and Carol-Lee Kantor.  Soliloquies were chosen from Shakespearean favorites:  A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Antony and Cleopatra, Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, Richard II, A Winter’s Tale, Cymbeline, and The Twelfth Night. Songs about love and life of the Elizabethan period were also sung by Rita Schaffer and Pat Markowski.  After copious appreciative applause, all enjoyed a delicious repast prepared by members of PSC.

But wait – there is more!  There are plans to further develop the script when Shakespeare Club resumes in the spring. PSC also plans to read Othello this spring and continue to develop the aforementioned script for a presentation in June at their annual luncheon. To hear more about the many wonderful plans for Spring and/or to join PSC, please contact Marie DiLorenzo, President at 845-855-9594.

Members of the Pawling Shakespeare Club wish one and all a Joyous Holiday and a Happy New Year.