Bartlett Public Library hosts 'To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now'
In honor of William Shakespeare's 450th birthday, the Bartlett Public Library is pleased to present "To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. The show is a one-person, interactive presentation featuring actor Ron Fry as William Shakespeare.
Dynamic interpretations of excerpts from some of Shakespeare's most famous works are combined with a humorous look at life in Renaissance England. The program will include plenty of opportunities for audience members to star alongside The Bard of Avon, and as part of the birthday celebration, cake and punch will be served after the presentation.
"To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now" is described as dynamic as the show is performed by a professional, first-person actor, who also happens to double as a stuntman, college teacher, fire-eater, clown, improv-artist and jouster; as interactive as all ages and learning levels have the opportunity to take the stage and speak Shakespeare's words; and as humorous because Shakespeare knew how to use laughter to reach his audience, and "To Be!" continues in this tradition.
Fry is the founding artistic director of Optimist Theatre in Milwaukee, Wis., and was the artistic director for the Bristol Renaissance Faire for 19 years. "To Be!" has been enjoyed by more than 60,000 people since its debut in 1993. The organization's goals include reaching artists and audiences across the economic, ethnic and experiential landscape by creating art that is accessible to all people.
The Bartlett Public Library is located at 800 S. Bartlett Road. Registration is recommended but not required to attend this free program. For information, contact Carol Shoenthal at CShoenthal@bartlett.lib.il.us or at (630) 837-3560.
• Submit 'Your News' at dailyherald.com/share.