By Adam Hetrick
21 Nov 2009

Darius de Haas
photo by Steve Vaccariello

Gregg Baker, Jeanette Bayardelle and Mary Bond Davis star in Best of Both Worlds, the contemporary gospel retelling of Shakespeare's Winter's Tale, which begins performances at the American Repertory Theater beginning Nov. 21.

Obie-winner Diedre Murray penned the score to the Shakespeare-inspired holiday musical that has book and lyrics by Randy Weiner (The Donkey Show). Newly appointed A.R.T. artistic director Diane Paulus, the Tony nominated director of Hair, directs the production and also co-wrote the libretto. The A.R.T. engagement officially opens Dec. 2 and will run through Jan. 3, 2010, on the Loeb Stage.

The cast of Best of Both Worlds features Baker (Porgy and Bess) as Ezekiel, Bayardelle (The Color Purple) as Serena, Davis (Hairspray) as Violetta, as well as Tony nominee Cleavant Derricks (Brooklyn, Big Deal) as Sweet Daddy, Darius de Haas (Children of Eden) as Maurice, Nikkieli DeMone as Camillo, Brianna Horne as Rain and Lawrence Stallings (Sizwe Banzi Is Dead) as Tariq. The A.R.T. production will also boast a rotating line-up of gospel choirs from the greater Boston area.

According to A.R.T., "Best of Both Worlds is a soulful re-envisioning of The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare's timeless story of heartbreak and redemption. Clap your hands, jump out of your seat, and feel the power of love with this holiday treat. Best of Both Worlds takes us on a journey through the rich musical tapestry of R&B, rediscovering Shakespeare’s characters with smooth sounds and funky beats. When jealousy rips apart love and friendship, only the revelatory power of gospel can restore the enduring bonds of faith, family, and forgiveness."

The design team includes Riccardo Hernandez (set design), Emilio Sosa (costume design), Aaron Black (lighting design) and Brett Jarvis (sound design). Movement is by Tracy Jack and musical direction is Michael Mitchell.

Paulus and Weiner, who also collaborated on The Donkey Show Off-Broadway (and at A.R.T. through Jan. 2), staged Best of Both Worlds for a limited run Off-Broadway at the Julia Miles Theatre in 2004. Bayardelle was also part of the original New York cast.

For tickets, visit AmericanRepertoryTheater. A.R.T. is located at 64 Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA.