Summertime Means Shakespeare

By Stan Jenson
stan@gayblade.com

No matter what the production, seeing live theater outside on a balmy, summer evening is a wonderful experience, and this summer seems to be especially rich in offerings from William Shakespeare’s most popular plays.
Southland production companies claim that the Shakespeare is the greatest English-language playwright in history and that his works lend themselves to outdoor performances. The truth is most of his plays have immediate name-value, don’t require any royalty payments and can be altered at the director’s pleasure without worries of complaints from the playwright or publisher.
Probably the finest productions take place each summer at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre, which this year offers the comedic “Taming of the Shrew” and the tragedy of “King Lear.”
The Globe’s productions begin at 8 p.m., and the theater is set right in the middle of the beautiful exposition buildings in Balboa Park, so you can wander through the buildings at twilight, a truly memorable experience. The Globe’s producers give reverence to Shakespeare but are wise enough to trim the productions down to no more than two hours, effectively light them and amplify the sound so that every syllable can be heard without coming off like a rock concert.
Farther north in San Juan Capistrano, you can find a three-show Shakespearean festival this summer, with such gems as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” The city also offers “The Merchant of Menace,” a Shakespearean-styled melodrama, on the main stage of its Camino Real Playhouse Theatre.
In not-too-far-away Dana Point, “Romeo and Juliet” will be attracting lovers of all ages for the annual Shakespeare Bash.
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon is a wonderful amphitheatre offering top-notch, professional productions. This summer’s shows include “Hamlet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
No matter you choose to see, take advantage of outdoor theater this summer. It’s one of the delights of living in Southern California, and not even the biggest Cineplex blockbuster can compare to an evening of prose that’s have delighted audiences for more than 400 years.
The Old Globe Theatre is located in Balboa Park, and performances begin 8 p.m. in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre at the Globe.
San Juan Capistrano’s summer Shakespeare festival takes place in the Capistrano Town Center Park. Tickets are $20 and available at www.CapoShakes.org.
Shakespeare Bash runs Aug. 26-28 in the Lantern Bay Park, located at 25111 Park Lantern Road in Dana Point. Free performances start at 6 p.m.
The Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga Canyon. Half-price tickets are usually available at www.GoldstarEvents.com.