PITTSFIELD — "If music be the food of love, play on!"
That line will be heard multiple times this summer on the First Street Common when "Twelfth Night" takes to the stage.
The comedic tale of misplaced passion and mistaken identities begins July 20 and marks Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park's fourth season.
Launched in summer of 2014, Shakespeare in the Park stages the Bard's plays under the evening sky at the Common for free.
One of Shakespeare's most loved comedies, "Twelfth Night" tells the tale of twins separated by a shipwreck, a countess surprised by her capacity for love, a servant who oversteps his place and mischievous pranks carried to the extreme.
The slapstick comedy, directed by Artistic Director Enrico Spada, will include live music, and actors, designers and technicians from the Berkshires.
Jen Glockner, director of the city's Office of Cultural Development, described the productions as a "game changer" for the arts scene.
"Year after year, I hear again and again from audiences how impressed they are with these productions," she said. "The level of quality and professionalism that Pittsfield Shakespeare brings to each play is a treat for residents of Pittsfield and beyond."
According to organizers, about 8,000 people attended its first three years of summer productions: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet and, last year, The Tempest. This year, a total of 12 productions will run Thursdays through Sundays at 8 p.m., ending Aug. 6. Weekend performances will include a series of pre-show music acts, yet to be announced, starting at 7:15 p.m.
The productions have collaborated with various community organizations that provide volunteer ushers and other helpers.
Interested organizations can contact volunteer coordinator Alexandra Warshaw at volunteer@pittsfieldshakespeare.org.