Best of the Bard
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival brings theater pros and interns to Bloomington/Normal each summer to present a trio of Shakespeare’s works. But the best of the bard is only a part of the fun.
June 24
6 PM At the 2011 Season Garden Reception, enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while strolling through the 6 acres of plantings in Genevieve Green Gardens that surround the theater.
6:30PM Discover the theater’s secret passageways and hidden rooms in a 50-minute backstage tour with the actors — or have a drink and relax to the sounds of jazz musicians Glenn Wilson and Friends.
8PM Sit back and prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that is Romeo and Juliet, the classic tale of two young lovers torn apart by rival families.
July 19
6PM Like a good scavenger hunt? Find some of the answers to a list of clues by taking a pre-show walk through the gardens. The rest come during the first act of the play — so watch carefully.
7:30PM Don’t be scared by the name of the show, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), which presents 37 plays in 97 minutes.
AFTER THE SHOW Mingle with the cast and artistic director and then dig in at an oldfashioned ice cream social.
July 31
5:30PM Feast on an appleand-ham sandwich, roasted veggie- and hummus-stuffed pita or candied pecan salad (among the pre-ordered picnic options) or bring your own snacks to enjoy in the gardens or on the rolling lawn.
6 PM Is that a real brick wall? Are the actors eating real food? Find out all the secrets behind the stage props during this behind-the-curtain “Scenic Tour.” If you’re in a shopping mood, browse the Fine Arts Fair, which features jewelry, ceramics and other wares created by local artists.
7:30PM Is it a drama? A love story? A comedy? Make your own decision about The Winter’s Tale, in which a jealous rivalry between old friends results in unfounded accusations of infidelity in a marriage.
INFO:
Illinois Shakespeare Festival
June 23 to Aug. 7; at the Ewing Cultural Center; 309-438-8974; www.thefestival.org
Shakespeare not your thing?
Bloomington/Normal has plenty of other theatrical summer shows:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Community Players Theatre
July 8-10, 14-17
This classic tale is bound to be another sweet success for the country’s second-oldest community theater group, which has been presenting Broadway shows for 88 years. communityplayers.org
Seussical
Connie J. Link Amphitheater
June 16-19, 23-26
Aspiring high school actors perform the rhythmic words of every child's favorite writer-illustrator. www.normalsummertheatre.com
High School Musical Jr.
The Penguin Project
June 16-19
Overcoming the stigmas of high school cliques is only a part of the story in this modified version of the popular Disney show performed by kids and young adults with disabilities. www.penguinproject.org
10-Minute Play Festival: The Back Porch Heartland Theatre Company
June 9-12, 16-18, 23-26 and July 1-2
What might you experience if you sat on your back porch? Local actors give their versions in eight 10-minute shows. www.heartlandtheatre.org
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