In this very special 5th episode of Behind the Curtain, we sit down with three of the founding voices of Mill Valley’s Curtain Theatre—John, Michele, and Don—to revisit the seed of an idea that grew into 25 years of free Shakespeare performances under the redwoods.

They share how an unused stage near the library, a city centennial, and a circle of passionate artists came together to spark the first production of As You Like It in 2001. From those dusty beginnings, the Curtain Theatre has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition—where music, community, and Shakespeare’s timeless stories fill our intimate amphitheater each summer.

🎭 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The surprising origin story of Curtain Theatre’s very first production
• Why the Mill Valley amphitheater is such a magical space for live performance
• How music, sound, and setting have shaped 25 years of shows
• Why Shakespeare still resonates with kids, families, and longtime theatre lovers alike
• Hopes for the future and what the next 25 years might bring

Pull up a chair, listen in, and celebrate a quarter-century of Shakespeare in Mill Valley.

👉 Listen now to Behind the Curtain: Episode 5 – 25 Years Under the Redwoods: The Origins of the Curtain Theatre.

Read more about the Curtain Theatre’s productions

Our first podcast episode is with Curtain Theatre’s Dramaturg, Peter Bradbury.

Peter helps us dive into the world of Midsummer Night’s Dream. We learn of the mythological and literary sources that inspired Shakespeare. Bradbury explains how the play’s structure—four interwoven plots involving young lovers, bumbling craftsmen, a royal wedding, and mischievous fairies—creates a complex yet harmonious tapestry.

And, finally, we also hear that the play’s exploration of love, identity, and the dance between reality and dreams resonates just as much now as it did back in Shakespeare’s day. It’s like a reminder that some things—like the ups and downs of love—never really change, no matter how much time goes by.

So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite chair, and tune in to the Curtain Theatre Podcast. Let Peter Bradbury take you on a journey through the magical, whimsical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream—where love, dreams, and a little bit of fairy dust make life all the more enchanting.

#curtaintheatre #shakespeare #millvalley #midsummernightsdream #theatre #communitytheater

In our third episode we meet Romeo & Juliet, played by podcast host Nic Moore and Dale Leonheart.

We learn a bit about what drew Dale and Nic to acting, a little of their process… and their passion for Shakespeare; Romeo + Juliet in particular.

And we get a sneak–preview from Act I, Scene 5 — Romeo and Juliet meeting for the first time.