ENCORES: ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ produced by Folger Theatre and Folger Consort (2007)

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES, a weekly online series highlighting past performances and recalling the rich history of programming on the historic Folger stage. As many arts and cultural institutions remain closed during this time, these ENCORES provide a way to connect and revisit the breadth of Folger offerings with a wider audience.

ENCORES presents

Folger Theatre/Folger Consort
“The Somerset Wassail”
The Second Shepherds’ Play
Adapted and directed by Mary Hall Surface, December 2007
Music direction by Robert Eisenstein

Performed by

• Andy Brownstein, Mak
• Holly Twyford, Gill
• Bob McDonald, Coll
• Aaron Cromie, Gib
• Chris Wilson, Daw
• Paige Hernandez, Mary / Sheep
• Kate Vetter Cain, Angel
• Magdalyn Donnelly, Ensemble
• Jon Reynolds, Ensemble

Music by Folger Consort

• Robert Eisenstein
• Charles Weaver
• Tom Zajac

With

• Scenic Design by Tony Cisek
• Costume Design by Erin Nugent
• Lighting Design by Dan Covey
• Puppet Design by Aaron Cromie
• Choreography by Roberta Gasbarre
• Production Stage Manager, Caitlin McAndrews

To learn more about music in the production, read Robert Eisenstein’s notes from the 2016 revival, explore Mary Hall Surface’s 2016 Director’s Notes, learn about the puppetry in the show, or learn how to make (Second) Shepherds’ Pie. You can also listen to a conversation between Surface and Eisenstein on staging this unique holiday production.

Read the introduction by cast member, Paige Hernandez:

Hello and welcome to Folger ENCORES! My name is Paige Hernandez. The Folger has been sharing selections from their plays, music and spoken word with you in this ENCORES series.

This week, we are revisiting The Second Shepherds’ Play. This production of The Second Shepherds’ Play was a wonderful collaboration between the Folger Theatre and the Folger Consort. I was so thrilled to be a part of this unique ensemble. I was able to collaborate with director—and my mentor—Mary Hall Surface, as well as a remarkable group of musicians, singers, actors and designers.

It was such a super-special holiday performance for us all. The energy onstage and the reception from the audience was astounding.

We hope that you enjoy this clip from The Second Shepherds’ Play. Please join us again for these weekly episodes of ENCORES, highlighting all that Folger has to offer. We wish you and yours all the very best this holiday season!

Check back each Friday for a new “from the archives” performance, introduced by some of our favorite artists, showcasing the best of Folger Theatre, Folger Consort, O.B. Hardison Poetry, and lectures.