Tandem Theatre Project Brings Shakespeare to Palmetto Bay

When the Village of Palmetto Bay wanted to add some high-quality theatrical events to its social calendar, they turned to Robin Barson and Jeannie Sensale, co-founders of Tandem Theatre Project. Barson, Sensale (and their partner Rusty Allison) are well known theater coaches/educators throughout the local public and private school systems. Their mission is to teach professional-level theater and help students decide if they are cut out for a life on the stage.

On March 4th, 5th and 6th their elite teen troupe will perform Much Ado About Nothing at Ludovici Park, making this a true Shakespeare in the Park experience. Jeannie Sensale adds, “But there will be an interesting twist and all I can say is if you enjoy Star Wars, you’ll love what you see.” Robin Barson elaborated, “It was actually our teens who decided to do Shakespeare and to change it up a bit to make it more accessible and fun to children and adults alike.” The event will have a fundraising fee per person to help support the troupe going to London this summer to honor the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Bring your whole family to Ludovici Park (behind the public library) at 17641 Old Cutler Road Friday and Saturday (March 4-5) at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m. for this great evening of theater. Add to the night by bringing dinner or snacks to enjoy under the stars. A blanket might be a good idea too.

The kids who make up Tandem Theatre Project come from all over. They are primarily high school students, but some who have gone on to college stay on-board. All of them have dreams of hitting it big on stage. Tandem Theatre Project teens have already performed at local events in character, including the Wine on Harvest Moon event and an improv based on Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Robin Barson explains, “It is our goal to provide unique opportunities for these talented young acting students that go beyond the typical high school fare.” They have an ongoing partnership with the Deering Estate and the Florida Grand Opera. They’ve done shows at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. But now they are partnering with Palmetto Bay to bring their talents to the community at large.

Mayor Eugene Flinn remarked, “It is our midsummer night’s dream that this is the just beginning of many theater events in our humble Village.” To that end, the Village has already booked Tandem Theatre Project for April 29th at Thalatta Estate for a professional evening of theater. They’ll also open for the Grease drive-in movie night on January 30.