Shakespeare remains one of the world's most popular writers, having crafted such classics as Are You There, Guildenstern? It's Me, Macbeth and Richard III-D. Play groundling to one of the Bard's most complex histories with today's Groupon: for $9, you get one general-admission ticket to Richard II (up to a $25 value), presented by Intrepid Shakespeare Company at the Roundabout Theatre in Encinitas. Shows are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This Groupon can be used for performances during the February 25–March 20 run, but you must call ahead and reserve a seat.

True to its name, Intrepid Shakespeare Company keeps the veins of the Bard’s words pumping with fresh blood thanks to its intimate, accessible, and audacious productions. The troupe’s staging of Richard II skillfully spins the epic Shakespearean tale of a king overthrown, dramatizing the crime that sets into motion the War of the Roses two generations later. Richard's hexing hubris takes shape in actor and company co-founder Sean Cox, who repeatedly relives the monarch's fall from favor and confusing transformation into a stand-up comedian. Jason D. Rennie counterpoints Cox as Bolingbroke, the conflicted-yet-Machiavellian nobleman who eventually becomes Henry IV and gives birth to (spoiler alert) Henry V. Director Christy Yael carries out the company's commitment to presenting Shakespearean tales in a daring way, weaving together the woeful tale to its culmination in the usurpation of the English throne.

Reviews

Intrepid Shakespeare Company's past performances have received favorable press from San Diego City Beat, San Diego News Network, and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

• Intrepid also has assembled a strong and sprawling cast of 14 for this ambitious, alt-rock-driven staging, co-directed by company founders Sean Cox and Christy Yael with a sense of relish for its down-and-dirty dealings. – James Hebert, San Diego Union-Tribune.