The nature of genius and the power of envy collide in Peter Shaffer’s Tony award winning drama, Amadeus, opening under the direction of Dennis Razze at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival June 22 and continuing through July 8. The play previews June 20 and 21.

The Production Sponsor is Alvin H. Butz, Inc., and the co-sponsors are Kathleen Kund Nolan and Timothy Nolan.

Shaffer creates a complex and dissonant portrayal of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the musical genius of the 18th century, and the events which occurred during his mysteriously short life. Amadeus, whose name literally means “loved by God,” inspires rival musician Antonio Salieri to question his faith, asking why God would bestow such a magnificent gift on someone Salieri considers grossly unworthy.

Salieri divulges his callous opinions directly to the audience, conveying Shaffer’s themes of envy and desire. The playwright’s unconventional account -- weaving real events with imaginative conjecture -- dispels the traditional “porcelain” portrayal of Mozart.

This fantastic tale of scandal and jealousy is driven by Salieri, played by William Elsman. Elsman recently performed the title role of Macbeth at the Texas Shakespeare Festival and Don Quixote in The Adventures of Don Quixote at the National Theatre of the Performing Arts. Steve Burns, star of the popular children’s program Blue’s Clues, portrays Mozart as the immature, unruly, and boisterous socialite who possesses an obvious gift of musical talent, thrilling all of Vienna. Burns, a former DeSales student and Festival company member appeared as Francis Flute in PSF’s 1994 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, also directed by Dennis Razze. Janine Barris, whose Broadway, Off-Broadway, and TV/film credits include Bobbi Boland starring Farrah Fawcett, plays the vivacious Constanze Weber, Mozart’s wife.

Directing the production is Dennis Razze, the Associate Artistic Director of the Festival and DeSales University’s Director of Theatre. He directed last season’s acclaimed production of My Fair Lady, in addition to past productions including Man of LaMancha, As You Like It, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Lisa L. Zinni, whose PSF costume designs include My Fair Lady, The Imaginary Invalid and The Man of La Mancha, returns to design the lavish dress of the aristocratic Viennese court. Will Neuert, whose PSF set design credits include Othello (1996), Hamlet (1995, 2002), and Macbeth (1993), designs the18th century Rococo-styled set. With credits including PSF’s My Fair Lady, Henry IV, Part 1 and Around the World in 80 Days, Eric T. Haugen returns to design lighting. Sound design is produced by Matthew Given, who marks his fourth consecutive season as PSF’s resident sound designer.

The 2007 Festival also includes Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew (July 18-August 5) on the Main Stage; Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale (June 13-July 1), Charles Ludlam’s The Mystery of Irma Vep (July 11-August 5), and Kristin Sergel’s adaptation of A.A. Milne’s childhood classic, Winnie the Pooh (through August 4) in the Schubert Theatre.

The free outdoor Green Show completes the season's offerings and is performed one hour prior to each evening performance.

Performances of Amadeus are Tuesdays at 7pm; Wednesdays through Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm (no 2pm Saturday, June 23); Sundays at 2pm; Family night: Sunday, June 24 at 7:30pm.

Single ticket prices range from $27 to $45. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and groups. Season tickets are still available and offer patrons the greatest discounts and flexibility. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282 WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth are the 2007 Season Sponsors. Associate Season Sponsors are: the Harry C. Trexler Trust, The Morning Call and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit theatre company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America.

For ticket information, contact PSF at 610-282-WILL [9455], ext. 1, or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

Media contact: Lisa Higgins at 610.282.WILL, ext. 4; or e-mail Lisa.Higgins@desales.edu