Shakespeare in the Park brings fun, humor for all ages

GENEVA, Ill. - A night of culture and comedy returns to Geneva's Island Park on July 18 when The Midsummer Theatre Troupe takes the stage for a free, outdoor performance of "Twelfth Night" at this year's annual Shakespeare in the Park event.

This family-friendly performance is designed to entertain kids and adults alike. Double-entendres, slapstick humor, physical gags and dynamic performers are sure to provide laughs for all ages, and Island Park offers a beautiful setting along the Fox River to enjoy an entertaining take on the classic story of a shipwreck, a love triangle and mistaken identity.

Twins Viola and Sebastian are separated after a shipwreck. Viola dresses in her brother's clothes and becomes a page in the palace of the Duke of Orsino. Believing that Viola is a boy, the duke sends her with a message to Olivia, with whom he is smitten. Complications ensue, however, when Olivia falls in love not with the duke, but with his page.

Now in its ninth year, Shakespeare in the park is presented by the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission. Admission is free ($5 suggested donation) and seating begins at 5 p.m. A preshow performance by State Street Dance Studio dancers will begin at 6 p.m. The audience is encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics to enjoy the 90-minute, Ravinia-style theater experience.

Food will be available for purchase at the park: Graham's Chocolates will sell ice cream and Stockholm's will sell sandwiches, chips and drinks. Also be sure to browse the Circa tent for Shakespeare-themed merchandise.

Geneva Public Library also will host a Shakespeare-themed interactive craft for children at 5 p.m. in the library tent. Shannon Whitt, an Aurora-based set decorator, prop designer and illustrator, will lead the free art activity. Whitt illustrated the children's picture book "The Bite Sized Bard: Shakespeare's Seasons," which combines excerpts from Shakespeare works with art to illustrate the seasons.

Island Park is located at State Street and Route 25 in Geneva. Free parking is available at the government center on First Street. It's just a short walk across the covered bridge over the Fox River to Island Park.

For more information, visit www.genevarts.org or www.facebook.com/GenevaShakespeareInThePark.