Magdalena stage to present ‘A Taste of Shakespeare’

Magdalena’s vibrant arts scene is about to welcome a unique theatrical experience: A Taste of Shakespeare or A Bit of the Bard, presented by the Magdalena Stage community theater. This production offers audiences a curated selection of nine iconic scenes from five of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.

The production features nine scenes from five Shakespeare plays, including “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Julius Caesar” and “Twelfth Night,” with a finale from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Director Cara Snyder, a former professional stage actress, said the idea grew from her desire to bring live theater back to Magdalena.

“When we moved here, there was no theater,” Snyder said. “I wanted a real stage experience, so we started small with one-person shows in my husband’s art gallery. Eventually, we found a home in what used to be a school gym.”

Snyder said the cast spent months selecting scenes that would appeal to both Shakespeare fans and newcomers.

“We wanted comedy, drama and iconic moments, something for everyone,” she said.

The local cast includes Pam Ingate, Shane Ingate, Marta McKelvey, Snyder and Julian Swain, with sound and lights by Janice Oest.

Snyder promises an evening full of laughter and drama, including the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet,” complete with a balcony made from a painting scaffolding, the witches of “Macbeth,” and comic moments from “Twelfth Night” and “The Taming of the Shrew.”

“A Taste of Shakespeare or A Bit of the Bard” is designed to be accessible and entertaining, Snyder said. “You’ll laugh, you’ll recognize the classics, and you’ll see how creative a small-town theater can be.”

The show will run Thursday, Dec. 11, and Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Ole S’cool Theatre, located at 402 Spruce Street, Magdalena, NM. The show begins at 7 p.m. and runs about 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Seating is limited to 30. Reservations can be made by calling or texting 505-452-6803. Refreshments will be served after the performance.