The Winter’s Tale at the El Portal Theater

In June 2021, The Hobart Shakespeareans made the impossible possible.

After rehearsing for almost 2 years online during the pandemic, the group was able to finally reunite and quarantine safely in a hotel. 72 hours later, they produced a flawless production of The Winter's Tale for three nights at The El Portal Theater in North Hollywood. Meet the students who created the magic.

All of the audience and all eligible students were vaccinated. The students under 12 were tested before the performances, and the entire class was quarantined for the duration of the show.

The Shepherd and his son find salvation and an abandoned Princess

Here are a couple of reviews from the lucky audience.

Congratulations on a wonderful production!  I was very impressed with the maturity of the students, in addition to their talent and commitment.  I wish all performers gave the focus and effort that your kids give!

I hope you have had the chance to catch your breath after what I know had to be a really stressful week for you personally.  I've produced shows, and I've run tech for shows, but I've never done both and directed and done box office and concessions and shuttled people to and from hotels and the theater, etc. etc.  You definitely had a full plate!

Thank you and congratulations again.

- Jay Irwin, Manager of the El Portal Theater

That was a wonderful way to celebrate life and learning in one of the most imaginative classrooms that ever existed. I don't think anyone has ever done Shakespeare the way you and your Room 56 family did it. This is going to have a colossal impact on the futures of those young people. Because of you, they will always be looking for the most creative and involving way to approach anything important they do.

Congratulations, and from Linda and me and all those lucky enough to see it, thank you.

- Jay Mathews, Education Writer, The Washington Post

Enjoy the video documentary and pictures.

Thanks to all our friends around the world for making this miracle a reality.

Credit: All photos by Kurt Ingham

Oscar and The Band chronicle the suffering of King Leontes with Tom Petty's A Woman in Love

Happy Times and 4-Part Harmony celebrate All Summer Long

The Shepherd and his son get the last laugh on Autolycus!

Leontes and Hermione find peace through forgiveness

The Shepherd and his son discuss Heavy Matters

The Shepherd's Son makes the discovery of a lifetime

"A Woman in Love" sets the stage for Tragedy and eventually Redemption

Prince Mamillius explains "A sad tale's best for Winter"

The band helps Florizel and Perdita escape with "We Gotta Get Out of this Place"

A trio of violins showers Pity on Leontes and his tragic mistake

An angry bear ends the life of brave Antigonus

The infamous stage direction needs no explanation!!!

Summer Chimes and Vivaldi begin The Winter's Tale

Fabulous musicians and Sir Duke announce it's Party Time in Bohemia

Princess Perdita leaves her Prince strewn with flowers

Time announces 16 years have passed before tragedy can be overcome

Brilliant Saxophones usher in Vivaldi's Autumn

Sabina (Princess Perdita) anchors the band on "Don't Look Back in Anger"

Rabi gives Robert Plant competition with a blistering rendition of Over the Hills and Far Away

A shocked King Polixenes stands accused of improper behavior

The multi-talented Emmanuel plays lead guitar and a disguised King Polixenes simultaneously

King Polixenes and Queen Hermione during happier times

The Shepherd and his son find salvation and an abandoned Princess

Paulina reveals the Secret of Hermione's statue

Paulina and Antigonus argue as Sicilia is in turmoil

The guitars explode with "Over the Hills and Far Away"

Oscar and Johnny help Polixenes escape Sicilia with the classic "Take 5"

Rock Star Oscar Llerenas serenades the lovers with "Scotch and Soda"

Leontes searches for redemption with "tears of recreation"

King Leontes will cause the death of the young Prince Mamillius

Julie rocks out on "Don't Look Back in Anger"

Miriam's virtuosity announces a stinging Winter with Vivaldi's masterpiece

Oscar and Jesus celebrate the harmony of Spring with "Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall"

Prince Florizel and Princess Perdita hope for a brighter future

Cleomenes and Dion head to Delphos to consult the Oracle

Ashley and Claudio play clarinets to usher in Spring after a tragic Winter

Danny Lee's cello breaks hearts playing "Isn't it a Pity"

Camillo is to be the the poisoner of the innocent Polixenes

Camillo receives flowers "for men of middle age!"

Camillo and King Polixenes disguise themselves to spy on Florizel and Perdita

Autolycus picks the shepherd's son's pocket

The rogue Autolycus fakes an injury

The Bohemians celebrate Spring and their days on Animal Farm

His life being threatened, King Polixenes receives help from the honest and brave Camillo

Antigonus is attacked by wild creatures during the Bohemian storm

The brave Antigonus decides to sacrifice his life for Princess Perdita

Antigonus risks his life to save the abandoned Princess Perdita

The loyal Paulina introduces Princess Perdita