Atlantas New American Shakespeare Tavern

Theatre lovers can enjoy dinner and a play at the New American Shakespeare Tavern in Atlanta. The British pub atmosphere lends an air of authenticity to the evening, as the audience feels transported back to Elizabethan times. American Shakespeare Tavern recently became the first theatre company in the country to have performed all 39 of Shakespeares plays.

The playhouse has 200 seats arranged in three tiers. Main Floor seating and Box Seating is at tables, while Balcony Seating is in chairs only. Seating is first come first served within each seating area. Performances are given on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm. Sunday shows begin at 6:30pm. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and level of seating chosen. Prices begin at $15 for Balcony Seating on Thursday and Sunday.

The theatre offers an authentic British pub menu featuring favorites such as shepherds pie, Cornish pasty, and oven roasted salmon. There are also soups, salads, and sandwiches. Beverages include cocktails, premium beers, wine, and soft drinks. The menu changes with every other production. Ticket holders may begin purchasing food items 75 minutes before performances. Food and drink are not included with the tickets. Food is not sold during the performance, but desserts and beverages are available during intermission.

The current production at New American Shakespeare Tavern is Geoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales, which runs through May 27, 2012. This comic adaptation includes favorite tales including The Millers Tale, The Nuns Tale, and The Merchants Tale. Two additional productions are scheduled for the summer season. As You Like It will run from May 31-July 1. Shakespeares romantic comedy takes place in a forest setting, where several young people have been banished. Disguises hide the true identity of some, as their love stories intertwine. Shakespeares Twelfth Night is scheduled for July 5-29. A shipwreck, mistaken identities, and romance combine to make this one of Shakespeares most popular comedies.

Atlantas New American Shakespeare Tavern is located at 499 Peachtree Street NE in midtown. Recommended parking is available directly across the street from the theatre in the Emory University Hospital Midtown Parking Deck. Street parking is very limited in the area. Handicapped parking and entrance is located behind the theatre off Renaissance Parkway. Tickets should be purchased in advance online or at the theatres box office. Friday and Saturday performances tend to sell out. There is a waiting list for sold out performances. Cancelled tickets are generally released by 5pm on the day of the performance.