Outdoor Shakespeare show changes Geneva venue
Shakespeare is taking it to the streets.
Geneva's popular Shakespeare in the Park event has a new venue this year due to this summer's construction closing of Island Park. The performance will be held on Third Street, in front of the Geneva History Center, with seating on the Kane County Courthouse lawn.
Shakespeare in the Park will become Shakespeare in the Street when the Midsummer Theater Troupe performs “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 21, on Third Street between James and Campbell streets. Admission is free.
Left without its annual home in the park, “Shakespeare” was faced with a “to be or not to be” decision. The committee investigated several Geneva locations and decided on Third Street because it will provide patrons easy access to the play, in a visible location.
“Although we love the idyllic park setting, this summer's venue will showcase our unique downtown,” said Gail Gaboda, event chair. “This area is often the main stage area for festivals so it was an obvious choice.”
The play revolves around one of Shakespeare's most comic characters, the knight Falstaff. Because there is no war to fight, he has no income. Falstaff devises a plan to woo two married ladies for their husband's money. The ladies realize what he is about to do, and turn the tables on him. Subplots include the antics of a jealous husband of one wife and the suitors to the daughter of the other wife.
The performance, which will be dedicated to Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebration, is family friendly and appropriate for all ages, said director Toni Hix.
“We consider ourselves an ‘intro' to Shakespeare,” she said. The plays are cut to 90 minutes and run straight through without intermission.
“I work hard at cutting anything that would be inappropriate for children,” Hix said. “We also attempt to move at a quick pace, and feel that the more physical, the easier it is to understand what is going on.”
Hix also uses fun props, such as ukuleles, to add humor to the production.
Shakespeare fans will recognize several “Merry Wives” characters from “Henry IV.”
“Upon seeing that play, the first Queen Elizabeth requested that Shakespeare write the character Falstaff into future plays,” Hix said.
Instead of another historical or dramatic play, he chose to place Falstaff and four other characters into this comedy.
In keeping with the Shakespeare theme, the Geneva Public Library will host a pre-party in its Literary Garden from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday. A Lady and Nobleman will recite sonnets, accompanied by hurdy-gurdy music. Free lemon ice will be served.
Emcees Lanci Borota and Kit Willadsen will entertain the audience from 5 to 6 p.m., with trivia about Shakespeare and “The Merry Wives.” They are 2011 Geneva High School graduates and former co-anchors of GTV News.
At 6 p.m., State Street Dance Studio dancers will take the stage, performing a Bollywood piece and a Theatre Dance piece in honor of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. Founder and artistic director of State Street Dance is Linda Cunnigham.
Seating for the play begins at 5 p.m. on the courthouse lawn; those attending should bring blankets and chairs as well as picnics. Attendees are encouraged to visit area restaurants for their favorite fare or to pack their own special meal assembled from Geneva specialty food shops.
Parking is available on street and behind the Kane County Courthouse.
Now in its sixth year, the Shakespeare in the Park event is designed to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone, said Vic Portincaso, Geneva Cultural Arts commissioner.
The Midsummer Theatre Troupe is now in its 14th season as a mobile theater company that brings Shakespeare to as many people as possible. The troupe performs in several venues in Kane and DuPage counties each summer. Performers fill their cars with tents, set pieces, costume and a stellar sound system.
For information, call (630) 938-4530 or visit www.genevarts.org.
If you go
What: “The Merry Wives of Windsor” by Geneva's Shakespeare in the Park
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 21
Where: Third Street between James and Campbell streets, in front of the Geneva History Center, with seating on the Kane County Courthouse lawn
Admission: Free
Details: Call (630) 938-4530 or visit <a href="http://www.genevarts.org">www.genevarts.org</a>.