Shakespeare on Clark celebrating 10 years in Batavia
The Shakespeare on Clark production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will mark the 10th anniversary of the summer theater offering sponsored by All Dressed Up in partnership with Batavia MainStreet.
The production will be staged for two weekends beginning July 24 through Aug. 2, with performance times at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays. The outdoor theater is staged at Clark Island, just south of Wilson Street in the middle of the Fox River. Parking is available on both sides of the River on south Shumway or off Route 25 by the Skate Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic dinners. The show is presented in one act, with no intermission and will run approximately 75 minutes.
Shakespeare on Clark began years ago during a conversation between Julane Sullivan and friend Dave Stapleton. While discussing Batavia basketball and local theater, Sullivan mentioned her love of Clark Island and how perfect it would be for a summer outdoor production of classic comedy. David, a beat reporter for the Windmill Herald Newspaper at the time, suggested approaching the newly established Batavia MainStreet to sponsor such an event. With his guidance, the proposal was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and Shakespeare on Clark was born. It's become a favorite yearly event.
Sullivan recalls, "I remember the first performance on the Island. The cast had worked for months preparing their show, and there was a light misty rain that afternoon. We were debating whether we should pack up and leave the Island when audience members, carrying lawn chairs, umbrellas and picnic dinners began to arrive. There were approximately 150 people on the Island to watch a show, in the misting rain. It was magical!"
Over the years, a variety of Shakespeare productions have been staged, by several different theater companies. "I looked at the MainStreet Web site to see what was going to be offered this summer, and didn't see anything listed," Sullivan said. "Not wanting to see this tradition die away, I phoned Britta McKenna and asked if we could stage the show with their assistance again." The MainStreet board of directors approved co-sponsoring the event with All Dressed Up Costumes and auditions were set.
The production was cast, minus one adult male role. "We needed someone to play Egeus, the father of one of the principle characters," Sullivan said, who is directing the production.
That is when Facebook delivered David Stapleton back in the plan. Stapleton, who recently moved back to the suburbs searched for Julane on the social network, and she immediately asked if he would be interested in joining the cast. Fortunately schedules worked in their favor.
The production selected for this summer was coincidentally, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and at the first rehearsal David was called to Clark Island, the sky offered up a misting. It was kismet at work.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a favorite Shakespeare comedy featuring forest fairies, funny dullards who want to create a play, and young star-crossed lovers given a star-crossing magical assist from mischievous fairies.
The cast features actors from throughout the Fox Valley area. Details on the show and suggestions on how to enjoy this event, can be found on the Batavia MainStreet Web site at downtownbatavia.com and at All Dressed Up Costumes at alldressedupcostumes.com.