DAY 1 | June 17
Get to know Stephen Dickey and your fellow travelers during dinner in the hotel’s Ballroom II and Conservatory.
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the quaint town of Ashland. If you would like to see an additional play this evening, Fingersmith adapted by Alexa Junge from the book by Sarah Waters, is being performed at 8 p.m. in the indoor Angus Bowmer Theatre or Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neill at 8 p.m. in the intimate indoor Thomas Theatre or Head Over Heels by Jeff Whitty with music and lyrics by the Go Go’s is being performed at 8 p.m. on one of America’s oldest flagship outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.
(D)
DAY 2 | June 18
Continental breakfast is included daily at the hotel. Stephen will give his first lecture on Much Ado About Nothing in the Crystal Room of the hotel at 8:30 a.m. Afterwards, enjoy a perennial favorite: the backstage tour led by one of the festival’s actors. View the festival’s three theaters and go behind-the-scenes to see staging and production areas, and costume shop and sets. The tour also highlights the history and technology of the festival and includes admission to its Exhibit Center.
Walk a few blocks to contemporary Italian New American Salame Restaurant, featuring southern Oregon’s local flavors influenced by California cuisine and Italian recipes for lunch.
Ashland is at the convergence of the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains, and a town that is just as unique and authentic as the terrain that surrounds it. Nowhere else do so many individual experiences from performing, culinary arts and outdoor recreation, combine to create something so inspiring. Enjoy your free time this afternoon after lunch.
Our first evening Shakespeare performance will be Much Ado About Nothing that is being performed in the intimate and indoor Angus Bowmer Theatre at 8 p.m.
(B, L)
DAY 3 | June 19
Continental breakfast is included daily at the hotel. Stephen will give his second lecture on Pericles in the Crystal Room of the hotel at 8:30 a.m.
Enjoy some free time strolling the streets of Ashland. Visit art galleries, shops and museums offering a remarkably diverse range of fine arts and crafts. All are within walking distance, from the Historic Railroad District to Southern Oregon University’s campus. Ashland has been rated No. 2 for Best Small Art towns in America. Enjoy the spas, baths, fresh air and moments of wellness as you explore.
Early this afternoon see a matinee, Pericles performed in the indoor Thomas Theatre at 1:30 p.m. The intimate and versatile stage can seat between 270–300 patrons.
Stephen will give his third lecture on Antony & Cleopatra in the Crystal Room of the hotel at 5 p.m.
You will have time for dinner at one of the many Ashland restaurants as we will be seeing Antony & Cleopatra on the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre at 8 p.m.
(B)
DAY 4 | June 20
Continental breakfast is included daily at the hotel.
Stephen will give his fourth and last lecture on his thoughts on current day Shakespeare adaptations and the history of Shakespeare, past, present and future in the hotel’s Crystal Room at 9 a.m.
The rest of the morning is free to relax and acquaint yourself with Ashland. Located in the heart of the city, you are just steps away from restaurants, shops and the theater. Enjoy Lithia Park and the mild summer weather. We will be seeing Guys and Dolls in the indoor Angus Bowmer Theatre at 1:30 p.m.
Early this evening, we will head to the highly regarded Winchester Inn, Restaurant & Wine Bar for our farewell dinner. This traditional Victorian stately home is in perfect harmony with its surroundings, situated in the midst of an English country garden. Walk the path to the restaurant where pansies line the path that lead to the front entrance. It has been a favorite of our past travelers for many years.
After dinner, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish, or, you can take in one more theatre performance of Fingersmith in the Angus Bowmer at 8 p.m. or Head Over Heels in the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.
(B, D)
DAY 5 | June 21
Enjoy brunch this morning at the hotel’s Conservatory/Gardens. An actor from the Festival will join us for an intimate question and answer session. Lively discussions always ensue as we critique and discuss the performances we have seen this week. Late morning, check-out and depart for home.
(B)
If you would like to extend your stay in Ashland for an extra day or two, that can be easily be arranged for your convenience.