Story by Leo Adam Biga • Photo by minorwhitestudios.com Production Photos courtesy of Gerry Phaneuf
Shakespeare pre-show Veteran Jek Kelly
feature
Anyone for Shakespeare?
For 25 Years, Fans Have Answered ‘Yes’ by Flocking to Shakespeare on the Green When the annual Shakespeare on the Green festival returns this June and July, alternating two professional productions of the Bard’s work, it will mark the 25th season for one of Omaha’s summer entertainment staples. Over that time, the free outdoor event has played to more than a half-million spectators in a tucked-away nook of Elmwood Park adjacent to the UNO campus. The play’s certainly the thing at these relaxed evenings on the green and under the stars, but the lively pre-show has its own attractions, including: food and souvenir booths; interactive activities for youths; live musical performances; educational seminars to brush up your Shakespeare; two-minute Shakespeare quizzes where the audience tries stumping the actors; and assorted jugglers, jesters and merrymakers. The pre-show is an event in itself. On select nights, Camp Shakespeare performances let school-age kids “speak the speech.” On June 26, Will’s Best Friend Contest invites dog owners to show off their pooches in Shakespearean splendor. Co-founders Cindy Phaneuf and Alan Klem say the festival found a loyal following
SCHEDULE A Midsummer Night’s Dream: June 23-26, July 6, 8, 10 Hamlet: June 30, July 1-3, 7, 9 Admission is free. Donations are encouraged. Performances start at 8 p.m. Booths open at 5:30. The pre-show starts at 7. www.readonlinenow.com
may/june | 2011
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