The Buzz with Steven Sabel
Grants Pass is home to an astounding number of cultural organizations offering an immense number of performance opportunities throughout the year. One of the freshest annual traditions to be added to that landscape is Shakespeare in the Park.
Presented by the Rogue Valley Shakespeare Company during the final three weekends in June, Shakespeare in the Park is performed on the lawn at the Harry and David Shelter in Reinhart Park. The productions offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the works of the immortal Bard in a family setting under the stars.
This year’s production will be “Much Ado About Nothing.” Set in renaissance Italy, the production features indelible characters such as Beatrice and Benedick who famously taunt each other rather than confess their love for one another; and the inimitable Constable Dogberry with his hilarious malapropisms and comical antics.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., but audiences have found it ideal to arrive early enough to bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn before the performances. Last year saw patrons bringing everything from gourmet meats and cheeses to popular items from their favorite local restaurants. The lawn seating allows for small blankets to be spread and low-backed chairs up to 24” high.
To provide a positive viewing experience for all audience members, seating for each performance is limited to 100 people. Some table seating is provided at each performance for those who do not wish to sit on the lawn or bring their own chairs. Ample parking and restroom facilities are located near the performance site.
The new annual tradition is scheduled to continue and expand ion 2024 with two Shakespeare productions to be offered in repertoire: “Taming of the Shrew” and “Macbeth.”
For additional information about this year’s production and future events, visit roguevalleyshakespeare.com where you can also join an email subscriber list to remain informed as details are released.