Anne Brummel portrays Eva and Kenneth Linsley portrays Peron in Evita at Theatre by the Sea.

Mark Turek

You can catch actor David Birney playing Shakespeare in Westerly’s Wilcox Park this weekend, or you can head over to Matunuck for Evita at Theatre by the Sea.

Birney, who was last in town five years ago to play Shylock at the Colonial Theatre’s outdoor Shakespeare festival, is back this summer for a run in As You Like It. The show opens tonight, weather permitting.

Birney, of course, was the star (with ex Meredith Baxter) of the popular but short-lived sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie back in the 1970s. But he has actually done a lot of stage work along the way.

His biography includes appearances as Hamlet, Richard II and Richard III, and on Broadway he has had starring roles in Amadeus, Benefactors and Man and Superman. In 1999, Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre picked Birney, who is now 69, for its Millennium Recognition Award.

Birney is not the only veteran actor in the Colonial cast, though. Festival newcomer Alysia Reiner, who takes on the extensive role of Rosalind, the play’s protagonist, has appeared with many of New York’s hottest Off-Broadway companies, including The Public Theater and The New Group. The New York Times called her work in Wasps in Bed “priceless.”

On screen, Reiner has been seen as Christine, Jack’s girlfriend in the movie Sideways, which won her a SAG award. And on the small screen she has appeared in The Sopranos, Law & Order, The Practice, Family Law and The Drew Carey Show.

Purva Bedi, best known for her starring role in the cult film American Desi, plays Rosalind’s best friend and cousin, Celia. Besides her film work, Bedi has been on such television shows as Boston Legal, Law & Order, House, ER, and The West Wing.

From the contingent of local actors, Bob Colonna returns to the Colonial as Touchstone, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved clowns. Joining him is Enrique Bravo, the Romeo of two years ago, who plays Orlando, Rosalind’s love interest.

As You Like It runs through Aug. 3, Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. in Wilcox Park in downtown Westerly. Performances are free, although donations are welcomed.

Meanwhile, Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck continues its season with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning hit Evita.

The show follows the life of Eva Peron, actress, mistress and eventually wife of Argentine dictator Juan Peron. As the controversial first lady, Evita became the protector of Argentina’s downtrodden.

Webber’s operatic score features a mix of Latin, jazz and rock with such memorable tunes as “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”

Producing artistic director Amiee Turner, director of this summer’s George M, is back in the director’s chair for this production, with Aaron McAllister continuing as music director.

New York performers Anne Brummel, Martin Sola and Kenneth Linsley play Eva, Che and Peron respectively, along with a host of local talent.

Evita, which opened in previews last night, runs through Aug. 3 at Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck. Tickets for tonight’s preview are $35, otherwise shows are $39-$49. Call (401) 782-8587.

cgray@projo.com