Shakespeare scenes take center stage with MAC production

The Mundelein Arts Commission, in partnership with the Kirk Players, has announced its annual Summer Shakespeare Shorts production, to be presented at the Kracklauer Park gazebo in Mundelein Aug. 4-6 and 12-13.

This year's production, "Sounds and Sweet Aires," will be a compilation of lighthearted scenes from some of Shakespeare's most popular shows, including "Hamlet," "The Tempest," "The Comedy of Errors," "The Taming of the Shrew," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," along with dramatic presentations of some of The Bard's best romantic sonnets.

The show, compiled and directed by Kirk Player Jon Leslie Lynn, has proved popular through the years, being presented numerous times in community and professional theaters in the area.

Working along with Lynn is Jon Matousek, a Mundelein Arts commissioner, acting as producer.

The cast for "Sounds and Sweet Aires" includes Patrick Blake of Libertyville; Chris and Julie Brouton of Round Lake Beach; Angela Carrington of Grayslake; Kegan Collins of Libertyville; Keira Stanley of Wauconda; and Barbara Heim, Mike Hoover, Jon Matousek, Liam Mellon, Zoe Van Krey and Marilee Rusiniak of Mundelein.

The assistant director and stage manager is Bev Karns of Lake Zurich. Gary Gunther is serving as technical adviser, with Ben Barker handling tech crew and Susie Hill as costumer. Music is being coordinated by Lisa R. Szymanski of Vernon Hills, along with the Plumwood Players recorder group consisting of Szymanski, Sara Gerstung and Ann Schwaaar.

"We are still seeking a guitar player to accompany a couple of songs and play some incidental music," Lee said. "Anyone interested should contact me at jlee@email.mundelein.org."

"Producing a theatrical production can be challenging, especially finding a proper venue for a show," Matousek said. "Community theater really does include the entire community, and we have been fortunate to have rehearsal space offered by the Fremont Township Office, as well as the Mundelein Parks and Recreation Department, who is also providing the Kracklauer Park gazebo for our production. We are thankful for all the help."

Director Lynn agrees.

"We are having so much fun in rehearsal, and we can't wait to share this fun with our audience!"

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 Sundays, Aug. 4-6 and 11-12. Audiences are asked to provide their own chairs and refreshments.

For more information, visit mundelein.org/mac and click on "Summer Shakespeare Shorts."

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