THE GUTHRIE THEATER, IN CO-PRODUCTION WITH CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK, PRESENTS

Shane

by KAREN ZACARÍAS
adapted from the novel by JACK SCHAEFER
directed by BLAKE ROBISON
McGuire Proscenium Stage

A new Western classic

It’s 1889 when Shane, a loner with a dark and mysterious past, rides into the heart of Wyoming’s cattle country. He’s instantly idolized by the young Bob Starrett, whose settler parents welcome Shane into their home and put him to work on their farm, where Shane discovers the family he never had. Meanwhile, hostility grows between the ruthless rancher Fletcher and the settlers starting their farms. When Fletcher plans to squeeze them out, Shane’s dangerous ways resurface as he fights to save the Starretts from ruin. This Guthrie commission by renowned playwright Karen Zacarías interrogates the assumptions and myths of the American West.

Three things to know

  • Adapted from the classic 1949 novel by Jack Schaefer, this Guthrie-commissioned play by Karen Zacarías brings an exciting, fresh perspective to one of the greatest Westerns of all time. By reimagining the Starretts as a Latino family and Shane as the son of an enslaved Cuban, Zacarías aims to both honor and interrogate this extraordinary American genre.
  • In Shane, Zacarías sheds new light on the allure, myths and values of the American West — a chapter in history that still has many tales to tell.
  • Shane is the second play by Zacarías to be produced by the Guthrie, following Native Gardens (also directed by Blake Robison) in 2017.

Ticket prices

Prices range from $20 to $80.

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Group sales 

All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions.

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Venue info

Shane will take place on the McGuire Proscenium Stage.

Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details. 

Run time

Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes (no intermission)

Age recommendation

We recommend Shane for ages 12 and up. Everyone must have a ticket, and children under 5 are not admitted.

Content advisory

This production contains strong language, depictions of physical and gun violence, and gunshot sound effects. For more information, please contact the Box Office. 

Health and safety

Masks are no longer required for all Sunday performances. For audience members who prefer a masked environment, we will offer a mask-required performance of Shane on Sunday, August 20 at 1 p.m.

Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

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Post-play discussions

Join us after select performances for a 20-minute conversation facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.

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Digital program

Want to dig deeper? Check out the digital program

In the news

Review

"A richly entertaining piece of theater that taps into all the best elements of a Western." — Rob Hubbard, Pioneer Press

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Review

"Zacarías took a story that we thought we knew and has added depth and dimension to our understanding of the Old West."  Rohan Preston, Star Tribune

Read The Full Review

Videos

Stage Craft with Karen Zacarías

Dive deeper into the the making of the show with renowned playwright Karen Zacarías in this special edition of Stage Craft.

Artists

Cast

Juan Arturo

Older Bob/Bobby Starrett

Ricardo Chavira

Joe Starrett

William DeMeritt

Shane

Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey

Marian Starrett

Grant Goodman

Ernie Wright/Stark Wilson

Terry Hempleman

Jake Ledyard/Sam Grafton

Shayna Jackson

Winona Stephens

Bill McCallum

Luke Fletcher

Mikell Sapp

Chris Johnson

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Creative

Karen Zacarías

Playwright

Blake Robison

Director

Lex Liang

Scenic Designer

Trevor Bowen

Costume Designer

Pablo Santiago

Lighting Designer

Matthew M. Nielson

Sound Designer/Composer

Jocelyn Clarke

Dramaturg

Keely Wolter

Vocal Coach

Vanessa Severo

Movement Director

Christian Kelly-Sordelet

Fight Director

Rick Sordelet

Fight Director

Jason Clusman

Stage Manager

Lyndsey R. Harter

Assistant Stage Manager

Jennifer Liestman

Resident Casting Director

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Photos

Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey (Marian Starrett) and Ricardo Chavira (Joe Starrett) in Shane at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The cast of Shane at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Photo of Juan Arturo (Older Bob/Bobby Starrett) and William DeMeritt (Shane) in Shane at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The cast of Shane at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The cast of Shane at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Photo of Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey (Marian Starrett), Bill McCallum (Luke Fletcher) and Shayna Jackson (Winona Stephens) in Shane at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Photo of Christopher Wells (Ensemble), Tommy Thams (Ensemble) and Mikell Sapp (Chris Johnson) in Shane at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

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