What is your favorite thing about the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival?

“The people. This is my fourth time here, and every time I have marveled at the caliber, creativity and collaborative spirit of the team assembled. It’s a real honor to be part of it. There’s also an amazing running track on the old railroad line behind campus. It’s perfumed with jasmine and riddled with charming woodland creatures. But yes, definitely the people.”

What is it like doing repertory theater, whereby you are acting in two plays back to back?

“I think having survived the rep of 2012 [‘Cat’-’Much Ado’], I figured I could do pretty much anything, but these two shows are not as easy as they (should) look. ‘Shrew’ is definitely one of the more physically-demanding Shakespeare plays I’ve ever done, and Noel Coward’s linguistic gymnastics in ‘Blithe Spirit’ are a serious workout. Ian [Merrill Peakes] and I have looked at each other more than once like, ‘What the hell did we get ourselves into?’ But again, the people in the room are so wildly-talented and generous that coming to work each day has been a genuine joy.”

What are your memories of Father Schubert?

“I only met Father Schubert briefly during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, so most of my memories of him are second- or third-hand through the many stories that live on of his amazing spirit. I will say my favorite part of our gorgeous ‘Shrew’ set is a small vintage poster of a girl on a Vespa. ‘Taming of the Shrew’ was the first play produced when Father Schubert began the festival 25 years ago. In his production, Petruchio made a grand entrance riding a Vespa, so it’s Matt’s [Pfeiffer, ‘Shrew’ director] way of honoring his memory and in some small way including him in our offering this year.”

Eleanor Handley is in her fourth season at PSF, including: Katherina, “Shrew’; Elvira, “Blithe,” 2016, and previously at PSF, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (Maggie), “Much Ado About Nothing” (Beatrice), “Lend Me a Tenor” (Diana), “Macbeth” (Witch), “Comedy of Errors” (Adriana), “The Two Noble Kinsmen” (Emilia); NYC: “Jericho” (NYT Critic’s pick), “Limonade tous les Jours” (opposite Austin Pendleton), “A Christmas Carol” (with Dominic Chianese). Regional highlights: “Troilus & Cressida” (Cressida), “King Lear” (Regan), “Lost in Yonkers” (Bella), Barrymore Nomination: “Betrayal” (Emma). TV: “Royal Pains” (USA), “As the World Turns,” “Unforgettable” (CBS). MFA.