'Shakespeare Shorts': All the world's a stage, even Mundelein village hall
As the sun set over Mundelein village hall one evening last week, a cast of actors gathered amid picnic tables strewed with wigs, duct tape swords, a kilt, bags of costumes and water bottles.
Their stage was a stretch of grass in front of a patio area, across a field from railroad tracks. For a makeshift backstage, they set up a white awning with four poles that, they say, will have curtains eventually.
It's a labor of love for the thespians who will star this week in "Shakespeare Shorts," the Mundelein Arts Commission's first public theater show.
The MAC formed three years ago to nurture the local arts community and enhance the quality of life for residents. It's hosted photo and writing contests and commissioned a public mural, but "Shakespeare Shorts" is the group's first stage presentation.
"Live theater is always interesting," show director Lisa Willems said. "It keeps you on your toes."
The free performances are set for 7 p.m. Aug. 8-10 outside village hall, 300 Plaza Circle.
Among the cast members are Adam Armstrong and his wife, Katie. Fans of The Bard, the couple named their children, Malcolm and Miranda, after Shakespeare characters.
"He's just as relevant now as he was 450 years ago," Adam Armstrong said. "We're still doing his shows, and they're still speaking to people."
Armstrong pointed out that most of Shakespeare's original shows were performed at outdoor theatres. No lighting effects. No curtains.
And that noise from passing trains? No worse than the busy London streets of The Bard's day, he said.
Willems said it's particularly special that they're performing Shakespeare, a playwright who draws strong reactions from audiences and actors alike. They hope their enthusiasm shines through in the show.
"You know, Shakespeare people, it's a different kind of fandom," she said.
"It's not about being important or smart. It's just this lost language."
MAC Chairman Joyce Lee said the commission strives to foster a collaborative atmosphere for artists of all kinds.
"We want artists to be able to be creative, and to be free, and to do their own thing," she said.
The commission has 11 members, each appointed by the Mundelein village board.
"We are very grateful to those who volunteered to serve on the arts commission and trust that their passion for the arts will greatly benefit Mundelein's expanding cultural focus," Mayor Steve Lentz said.
It was Lee who asked Willems to direct the show, believing her a good fit for the production. Shakespeare plays work on multiple levels, Lee explained, and the show has to speak to different audiences.
"We've I think done a pretty good job of making it accessible," added Vernon Hills resident Amy Sharer, who will perform scenes from "Macbeth," "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Twelfth Night."
"People are going to have a lot of fun. Clearly, the actors are having a lot of fun," she said.
The format of the show is a departure from the typical Shakespeare in the Park presentation.
It's divided up into 17 scenes and sonnets highlighting some of Shakespeare's greatest hits. That provided the performers with the opportunity to do some scenes in ways they couldn't manage in a full production, Armstrong said.
"It gives a good sampling of what Shakespeare is about without the commitment of a two-hour show," he added.
Lee said audience members should bring chairs and blankets to sit on, and enjoy the performance.
"There's no real performance space in Mundelein other than the high school, so you have to be creative," she said.