Dinner theatre, theme parks and Shakespeare may seem an unlikely combination for success--but in the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, these three disparate elements are blended into a unique theatrical experience. The Shakespeare Tavern, a year-round Equity theatre devoted to the works of the immortal bard, is an English Pub with a traditional Elizabethan stage. Audience members are seated at long wooden tables, and dine on pub favorites like bangers and mash and fish and chips before the show.

The Shakespeare Tavern presents a full season of plays from the Shakespeare canon. The Tempest, the last play written entirely by Shakespeare, is set to begin previews on Saturday, November 23. One of Shakespeare's most popular plays, The Tempest was produced last season on Broadway by the Public Theatre, and has provided the plot for many films, from 1991's Prospero's Book , to Steve Martin's L.A. Story to the 1950's sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet.

The Tempest will be performed in traditional Elizabethan costumes, and features an original musical score by composer Bo Ketchin. Adding charm to the show, the score is performed live by three musicians in costume, using period instruments. The play is directed by Tony Wright, Associate director of the Tavern, and stars Broadway veteran Robert Browning as Prospero.

Previews begin November 23 at 7:30pm, November 24 at 6:30pm, and November 26 at 7:30pm, for an opening on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30pm. The Tempest runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 6:30 until January 12, and then Fridays and Saturdays only through January 25 (no performance Thanksgiving.) Call (404)-874-5299 for ticket prices and reservations. For more information, please refer to the regional listing for The Shakespeare Tavern on Playbill On-Line.

--By Bruce Stapleton