Geneva's Shakespeare in the Park features laughter, love and a dog
Although Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" is considered one of his weakest and earliest comedy plays, the Midsummer Theatre Troupe will make the play one to remember during its performance Saturday, July 16, at Island Park in Geneva.
"It's kind of a fun romp through the trials and tribulations of friendship versus love, which is something that everyone can relate to," director Kristen Duerdoth said. "It's very funny, and it has funny characters."
The Midsummer Theatre Troupe is a mobile theater company founded in 2000, whose goal is to bring Shakespeare to as many people as possible.
"Two Gentlemen of Verona" is about two men, Valentine and Proteus, and their quest for love. Valentine heads to Milan and falls in love with the Duke's daughter, Silvia, while Proteus stays in Verona to be with his love, Julia.
Everything goes awry once Proteus is sent to Milan and also falls in love with Silvia. Through disguises, banishment, heroism and a test of love versus friendship, all ends happily ever after for the two gentlemen.
Just like past performances, Duerdoth chose a theme to go with the performance: a mixture of "Downton Abbey," the 1920s, "Newsies" and a bit of steampunk.
"It's always fun when you place these characters in other time periods. It shows how universal these problems are. It's about love and finding who you are and what you believe in," said Batavia resident Kelsey Skomer, who plays Julia. "Any time Shakespeare is placed in another time period, it's driving it home that these issues and exciting things are always happening to us."
New to the show is Klutch, Duerdoth's dog. He will play the part of Crab, Launce's dog who tags along as he travels from Verona to Milan with Proteus.
"There are some very goofy moments with the man working with the dog. He spends most of his time yelling at the dog or talking about the dog," Duerdoth said.
Geared toward audiences of all ages, this 90-minute show will not have an intermission. Seating is Ravinia-style, with attendees bringing their own chairs, blankets and picnic dinners or snacks.
Since its inception in 2007, Shakespeare in the Park has amplified to an audience of about 800 people each year compared to its 200-person audience at the first performance, leading to a discussion between the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, the Geneva Park District and the Midsummer Theatre Troupe on whether or not adding another performance night in Geneva would benefit the event's growing popularity.
"We are actually running out of room," event founder Vic Portincaso said. "We have a lot of families that have made it a tradition. I'm at the event every year, and I'm always getting people saying they are looking forward to it every year. One couple told me they plan their vacation around it."
Attendees can enter the park at 5 p.m. to claim their spots for the performance. As people enter the park, local acoustic duo The Healing Process will play.
The Geneva Public Library District will have a Shakespeare-themed, interactive craft activity for elementary-aged children in the library tent beginning at 5 p.m. State Street Dance Studio will present a preshow performance at 6 p.m.
Food such as Stockholm's sandwiches, chips and drinks, as well as Graham's ice cream, will be available for purchase.
Admission is free, although a $5 donation is suggested. Island Park is at the corner of State Street and Route 25 in Geneva. Free parking is available at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave. For information, visit geneva.il.us.
If you go
What: Geneva Shakespeare in the Park's "Two Gentlemen of Verona"
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 16; admission begins at 5 p.m.
Where: Island Park, Route 25 and State Street, with free parking at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave.
Admission: Free, but a $5 donation is requested
Details: <a href="http://www.geneva.il.us/index.aspx?NID=432">www.geneva.il.us</a>