Shakespeare in the Park

Who doesn't love the arts in the middle of the city? For those who are looking for something to do this evening, check out Shakespeare in the Park. Tonight is closing night for the Taming of the Shrew, one of my favorite Shakespeare plays (I actually I just like the comedies). And yes, Shakespeare in the Park is still going strong despite the reconstruction of the Myriad Gardens underway. For this summer it has been moved to the plaza in front of the Civic Center steps. I personally think it might be an even better setting for the play, with the grandiose Civic Center Music Hall looming large on one end of Bicentennial Park and the best skyline view in the city on the other end.

A Night on the Town.. Pt. Deux

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park is performed at the Myriad Gardens' Water Stage every night, Thursday through Saturday, at 8.00 in the evening. I went and had a good time, even though it was Hamlet (which I just have a psychological block against). Two things would have made it infinitely better: if it weren't 100 degrees and humid, and if I had come for any other play. They also put on Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and George Bernard Shaw's Misalliance. Despite Hamlet, I had a really good time. It's just a nice, pleasant outing..bring a date, enjoy the breeze once the sun goes down, take in the park and skyline, and so on. For $8 bucks it isn't bad. Definitely go see it when it's cooler, and when they're performing a play you like. It runs June-September.

The skyline view from my seat

Watching the play

I was pretty surprised at how many people showed up. There were very few seats available, only on the edges behind the stage, so there were probably at least 200 people. I had no idea turnout would be that good for Hamlet on a hot evening, so be sure to show up early if you do go.

I think if anything proves Shakespeare's genius, is that he killed all the characters off at the end of Hamlet. That way if the production is terrible (which it usually is), there is at least always one good scene.