Optimist Theatre and BMO Harris Bank to Present 2014 Free Shakespeare in the Park’s Production of “The Winter’s Tale”
MILWAUKEE, WIS. – With great confidence that southeastern Wisconsin will have put the harsh winter of 2013-2014 behind them sufficiently by June to appreciate William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale,” Optimist Theatre and BMO Harris Bank announce the dates of 2014’s Free Shakespeare in the Park. The romantic comedy will be performed across three weekends: June 13-15, June 19-22 and June 26-29. There will be a media preview on June 12. Shakespeare in the Park will return to COA Youth and Family Centers’ amphitheater in Alice Bertschy Kadish Park for a second year.
The expansion of the season from two weekends to three was made possible, in part, by the organization’s achievement of a $20,000 challenge grant from 2014’s Presenting Sponsor BMO Harris Bank. Though fundraising for the free performances continues, the sponsorship of BMO Harris enables planning for the extended fifth season to proceed.
In addition to announcing the season for Shakespeare in the Park, Optimist Theatre further revealed the casting of “The Winter’s Tale.” The production will be directed by M.L. Cogar, who has been both the Dramaturg and Assistant Director for all four of Shakespeare in the Park’s previous productions.
Cogar is particularly drawn to “The Winter’s Tale” as “a panoramic adventure-romance that showcases some of Shakespeare’s richest language. The story stretches between two fairy tale kingdoms, across the genres of tragedy and comedy…it offers us a jealous king, a wrongly accused queen, a brave princess, a comic shepherd, and a singing thief—in other words, plenty of room for our team of local artists to explore the parallel inventiveness of both performance and production.” The audience, she explains, should “expect clear language and storytelling, evocative movement and music, and technical artistry that celebrates imaginative theater traditions. And puppets.”
The cast for “The Winter’s Tale” includes:
Allie Babich as Perdita
David Bohn in the Ensemble
James Carrington as Dion / Ensemble
Liz Fraglia as Dorcas / Ensemble
David Franz in the Ensemble
Ron Scot Fry as Antigonus
Cassondra Gresl in the Ensemble
Ethan Hall as Florizel
Jeffrey James Ircink as the Shepherd
Ashley Jordan as Mamillius / Ensemble
Mary Kababik as Paulina
Megan Kaminsky as Mopsa / Ensemble
Patrick Lawlor* as Polixenes
Linda Loving in the Ensemble
Brian Miracle as the Clown
Beth Monhollen as Cleomenes
Emmit Morgan as Camilio
Beth Mulkerron* as Hermione / Autolycus
Tom Reed* as Leontes
Genessee Spridco as Emilia
and
Susan Scot Fry as the Bear
*Member of Actor’s Equity Association
The cast includes the return of several actors from prior seasons of Shakespeare in the Park, alongside a number of Optimist Theatre debuts. Tom Reed, Optimist Theatre Associate Artistic Director and Shakespeare in the Park Producer, as well as the production’s Leontes, is “pretty darned excited to collaborate with this cast and crew. Each of our productions arises from the chemistry of the people we pull together. This cast of local professionals is so multi-talented—we have singers, actors, dancers, musicians—I almost can’t wait for the audience to see the results. We’ll be using all those talents to the best of our Optimistic abilities!”
About “The Winter’s Tale”
Generally believed to have been written later in Shakespeare’s career (1610-1611), “The Winter’s Tale” is a romantic comedy of jealousy and suspected infidelity, revenge, and ultimately, of redemption and reunion. It contains one of the most famous stage directions in English literary history: “Exit, pursued by a bear.” Some speculate that, because the Elizabethan theaters were housed in the same sketchy entertainment district as the “bear baiting” pits, it is possible that one or more performances featured a live bear.
Of further interest to historians, the plot, in which a monarch falsely accuses his consort of adultery, appears to parallel the fall of Queen Anne Boleyn, second wife to King Henry VIII, and may have been an allusion to which the Bard’s audience would have been attuned.
About Optimist Theatre
Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company and an affiliate member of UPAF, the United Performing Arts Fund. Free Shakespeare in the Park is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board. In addition to Free Shakespeare in the Park, Optimist Theatre offers interactive educational outreach performances such as “To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now.” The organization’s goals include reaching artists and audiences across the economic, ethnic, and experiential landscape by creating art that is accessible to all people. They aspire to educate, entertain, and inspire through creative works of artistic integrity and, in doing so, to serve as a “gateway” theatre experience, bringing new audiences to the arts. To learn more, visit OptimistTheatre.org, or contact Managing Director Susan Scot Fry at SSFry@OptimistTheatre.org or 262/498-5777 or Artistic Director, Ron Scot Fry at RSFry@OptimistTheatre.org or 262/498-9788.
Shakespeare in the Park is also support in part by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board, the Milwaukee Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, the United Arts Performing Fund, and the Milwaukee County Arts Fund (CAMPAC).
Welcome to UNSPHERE THE STARS!
Are you planning on joining Optimist Theatre for our 2014 winter fundraiser party, UNSPHERE THE START? Excellent! Some details that will make it easier to plan your evening:
First off, your ticket purchase will not only help us meet the BMO Harris challenge grant, but $20 per ticket is tax deductible. Optimist Theatre’s tax ID number is 39-1769252. If you need a direct receipt, please contact ssfry@optimisttheatre.org after the event and we’ll be happy to get one to you.
Tickets are $35.00 per person. I’m sorry, but we cannot sell tables at the door because they are pre-set before the event begins.
We will accept cash, check or credit at the door.
When?
On the evening of Wednesday, February 12, 2013, the party begins at 7:00 pm.
What?
UNSPHERE THE STARS will be a fabulously fun fundraiser variety starring a number of brilliant music talent and Optimist Theatre comedic favorite, Mr. Phil Johnson. Phil’s sublimely hilarious physical and musical comedy is a huge hit every year. http://www.philipearl.com
Enjoy the excellent selection and values in our silent auction. Cash, checks and credit cards will all be gratefully accepted and any amount paid over retail value will be tax deductible.
Where?
Turner Hall
1040 N. 4th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203.
We will be upstairs in the ballroom.
Please note: Turner Hall is a non-smoking building.
Parking
Parking at Turner Hall is primarily in the paid lots adjacent and nearby metered streets.
Note: There is a basketball game at the Bradley Center the night of February 12th, so give yourself plenty of time to find parking.
Directions and Detailed Parking Information: http://pabsttheater.org/pages/directions
Questions?
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at SSFry@OptimistTheatre.org or 262-498-5777.
Thank you again for your Optimistic support. Together, we’ll continue to bring free Shakespeare in the Park to Greater Milwaukee – and have a great time doing it.
EVENT! It’s the 2013 Sonnet Slam!
Thanks to the fun-filled success of last year’s Sonnet Slam, we invite you to join us the evening of Monday, May 13, 2013 at Optimist Theatre’s …
“All the World’s a Stage Sonnet Slam”
All the world’s a stage,
and all the men and women, merely players-
they have their exits and their entrances,
and one man in his time plays many parts,
his acts being seven ages.
AS YOU LIKE IT Act 2 scene 7, 139-143
What’s a Sonnet Slam?
It’s a fun, optimistic party jam-packed with sonnets and laughter in a delicious setting. If you made it to last year’s hilarious evening, you already know how much fun it is!
- Appetizers and pizza provided by Transfer Pizzeria
-
Sonnets presented by AS YOU LIKE IT actorsTodd Denning (Touchstone) and Kristin Hammargren (Rosalind)
- Plus two very special guests: “Fast” Fres Oquendo* the currently ranked #5 Heavyweight and former WBC, WBO & WBA Latino Heavyweight, and NABF, NABA & USBA Heavyweight Boxing Champion.
and
- DJ Marcus Doucette from 88.9 Radio Milwaukee. Marcus brings world music to Milwaukee like no other. Featured on the BYO Studio Lounge.
Got a Sonnet?
Give it! There will be 3 sonnet sessions throughout the evening. Sonnets do not have to be memorized and they don’t have to be by Shakespeare.
101 West Mitchell Street (in Bay View)
Milwaukee, WI 53204
Parking: Free parking along Mitchell Street
*Fres Oquendo appears courtesy of:
Shakespeare in the Park is also brought to you in part by grants and donations from BMO Harris Bank, the American Association of University Women, and people like you. Thank you.
“To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now” April 2013 E-Broadsheet
Soldier’s Grove Public Library hosted a visit by William Shakespeare to North Crawford School. Over the course of two presentations at the school on Friday, March 15th, he got together with all the students at the school – K through 12. Ron performed in the school theater, which was decked out for the play “Shakespeare in Hollywood”. Throughout the day, he had great conversations with many of the cast members about the play they would be doing that evening. “Shakespeare in Hollywood”, by Ken Ludwig, was originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and won the Helen Hayes Award for Best New Play of the Year. Of course, having received guidance from Shakespeare himself, the play presented that night in Soldier’s Grove was a smash hit. Over the years of offering “To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now” it’s been wonderful to see the close relationship that so many of our Wisconsin libraries have with the schools in their communities. It’s often thanks to the library that Shakespeare is able to also visit the school. Great partnerships. |
|
In Honor of April Fool’s Day
|
In 2010, the BBC perpetrated a delightful hoax when they ran a piece claiming that Shakespeare was Frenc h.The story wove a convoluted chain of ‘proof’ that his mother was actually French, ergo as was  Will by birthright. The radio article (link via the BBC logo) is quite a fun listen. |
|
Sharing Resources and Inspiration:
No Fear Shakespeare |
In the course of portraying William Shakespeare, Ron Fry fields numerous questions about ‘his’ works. With Ron’s wealth of knowledge, he usually has much more ready answers than I do. So, when I find myself needing to research a particular play, the interpretations I often end up reading are from No Fear Shakespeare. No Fear Shakespeare puts Shakespeare’s language side-by-side with a facing-page translation into modern English. |
The full, original text is still there, matched with a thorough and credible modern translation. Of course, the ideal way to understand the works is to see it performed live. If you that opportunity isn’t available, this handy reference is one of the next best things.
Q: What are your favorite reference materials for understanding Shakespearean text or context?
| Upcoming Presentations for National Poetry Month |
|
April is National Poetry Month so perhaps it’s not a coinc
 idence that the greatest playwright and poet of all time will be visiting 20 schools and libraries for a total of 44 presentations throughout Wisconsin this month.From Milwaukee to Cable to Eau Claire, Shakespeare is going to be racking up some major mileage on the Bard-Mobile.
To see a Google map of upcoming travels, follow the link by clicking on the National Poetry Month poster. |
|
Shakespearean Fun
|
As you know, Shakespeare coined many words and phrases that are still in common use today. A few favorite “household words” (Henry V) …
Enjoy!
|
| Until our next e-meeting, we sign off with this seasonal Shakespearean sentiment …
“O, how this spring of love resembleth
The uncertain glory of an April day; Which now shows all the beauty of the sun, And by and by a cloud takes all away.” Proteus, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 1, sc. 3 |
Thank you for sharing the joy of the Bard of Avon. We hope to see you soon.
Optimistically,
Optimist Theatre
SSFry@OptimistTheatre.org / 262-498-5777
Shakespeare@OptimistTheatre.
| org / 262-498-9788 www.OptimistTheatre.org |
Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company.
Shakespeare in the Park March News
Thanks to the help of people like you, Optimist Theatre’s winter 2013 fundraising campaign is a success. We raised over $20,000 via direct donations and Kickstarter. Our good friends at BMO Harris Bank will match it with another $20,000 and that means that AS YOU LIKE IT this July is a GO!
THANK YOU!
 |
AS YOU LIKE IT News |
| Preparations for AS YOU LIKE IT proceed apace. Rehearsals begin in June and Optimist Theatre is grateful to our original ‘park’, Alverno College, for use of classrooms for rehearsals.Now that casting for AS YOU LIKE IT is complete, artistic thoughts turn toward designing the look of the production and our Designers are kicking into high gear. We’re fortunate to again be working with some excellent artists and artisans.
SETS… Optimist Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mr. Ron Scot Fry, has again taken on the mantle of Set Designer. Ron created the sets for THE TEMPEST and for MACBETH. The challenge of designing for our new home in Kadish park is exciting. COSTUMES… Costume Design is also well underway. Ms. Mel Benson, Costumer for The Tribe in Optimist Theatre’s THE TEMPEST, is designing the costumes for AS YOU LIKE IT. Mel is a Costumer at the Florentine Opera Company. LIGHTS… Lighting Design will be by Mr. Jason Fassl of AntiShadows. Jason has been the Optimist Theatre technical adviser from day 1 and did lighting designs for THE TEMPEST and TWELFTH NIGHT. Jason has designed for many theatres in Milwaukee, throughout the Midwest and (more and more) in New York. |
|
|
AS YOU LIKE IT Fun |
|
Shakespeare coined a number of phrases that are still in use in the English lexicon. In addition to Jaques’ iconic line “All the world’s a stage”, here are some favorites from AS YOU LIKE IT:”In a better world than this” – LeBeau – Act 1, sc. 2
“Forever and a day” – Orlando – Act 4, sc. 1 “Neither rhyme nor reason” – Orlando – Act 3, sc. 2 “Too much of a good thing” – Rosalind – Act 4, sc. 1AS YOU LIKE IT Trivia…
Which of these quotes has a much racier meaning than we generally attribute to it now?
|
|
|
Community Partners: The COA Youth and Family Centers |
 Founded in 1906, the Children’s Outing Association was a labor of love for a group of women from The Personal Relief Society. Thanks to their efforts, that first year eight children adventured to a tent colony in Whitewater, WI for fresh air and sunshine.Over 100 years later, the COA serves thousands of people, especially children, in greater Milwaukee and beyond.
Our Shakes-partners embody hands-on community spirit and caring through their many programs and projects. You’ll encounter a personal favorite when you venture out to enjoy AS YOU LIKE IT. Kadish Park is the home to one of the loveliest community gardens in Milwaukee and it’s sponsored by the COA. The COA and Optimist Theatre share a dedication to fresh air and the fresh viewpoints that are created by inspirational communal experiences. The COA Youth and Family Centers. An inspiration to Optimist Theatre and Milwaukee. |
|
|
AS YOU LIKE IT ‘NUTS AND BOLTS’ |
|
As we get closer to this summer’s free Shakespeare in the Park, this ‘Nuts and Bolts’ section will help provide details you need plan your evening at AS YOU LIKE IT.
Dates: Performance dates are slated for July 11 (preview night for media), July 12 (opening night), 13 and 14 and July 18, 19, 20 and 21. Possible additional dates will be July 25, 26 (no performance on the 27th) and 28. We’re still working on adding that additional weekend. If you’d like to help, please click the Donate Via Paypal button toward the upper left column of this e-newsletter. Times: Performances are slated to begin at 8:00 pm. If we add a matinee, we’ll post those details here. Location: Performances will be held at the brand new Selig-Joseph-Folz amphitheatre in Kadish Park overlooking the beautiful downtown Milwaukee skyline. This park has no official address and is labeled as Kilbourn Park on several city maps. In future issues, we will provide detailed driving and parking directions. Amphitheatre Honors
The Selig-Joseph-Folz Amphitheatre was honored as one of Wisconsin’s Top Projects of 2012. The architects, HGA Architects and Engineers, have won a number of honors of late and we’re exceptionally happy to be the debut theatre company in one of them! |
|
Thank you for spending a bit of time sharing our love and enthusiasm for free Shakespeare in the Park.
Managing Director
Introducing “The Guild”
Optimist Theatre is pleased to announce the young company for this year’s Shakespeare in the Park production of AS YOU LIKE IT. Joining the cast as “The Guild” are Megan Kaminsky, Sherrick Robinson, Max Hultquist, Raven Dockery, Bridgette Well, and Michela Kealey.
Every production of Optimist Theatre’s free Shakespeare in the Park feature what we call our young company of players – even though ages range from 16 to 59 years of age. This cast within a cast plays a very special part in every production. In addition to portraying various characters, they are the world in which the story exists. In THE TEMPEST, they were The Tribe and embodied the magic of the island. If there was a storm, they were the thunder, lightning, and rain. In MACBETH, The Coven were Malcolm’s army, Banquo’s assassins and guests at an ill-fated feast.
Early artistic plans for The Guild in AS YOU LIKE IT are exciting and we can’t wait to have you experience this Optimist Theatre force.
WE DID IT!!! Shakespeare in the Park 2013 WILL HAPPEN
FORGIVE, I mean, Forgive the caps and the excessive use of exclamation points, please. BUT, REALLY! I MEAN, REALLY!!
The Shakespeare in the Park Kickstarter campaign is 100% funded (plus $31) as of this beautiful, sunny, snowy Sunday morning.
Hallelujah and pass the “All the world’s a stage”.
The success of this campaign means that Optimist Theatre has met the BMO Harris challenge grant offer. That grant, combined with the $20,000 in donations and pledges tallied by us = Shakespeare in the Park 2013.
More details on the production, dates, directions, special events, fun stuff, etc will be forthcoming. In the meantime, we dance like muppets and invite every single one of you to join in the glee.
Thank you to the 210 people who have made this possible for us all. You are heroes.
Optimistically,
Susan Scot Fry
New Kickstarter Video – Announcing the Cast for AS YOU LIKE IT
Ramble through the forest of Arden with the cast for Shakespeare in the Park’s 2013 production of AS YOU LIKE IT.
Enjoy!
Shakespeare in the Park 2013 – News, Updates, and Cast Announcement
Thanks to a little help from our friends, Optimist Theatre is off to a great start on making Shakespeare in the Park 2013 a reality. An update…
BMO Harris Challenge Grant / Kickstarter Status
We’re almost 78% funded!
As of February 20, Optimist Theatre has raised a total of $15,536 in pledges and donations toward BMO Harris’ $20,000 challenge grant. With 7 days left to raise the remaining $4,464, we’re optimistic.
Optimist Theatre is raising a large portion of these funds through a Kickstarter campaign. If you aren’t familiar with Kickstarter, it’s a great way for non-profit organizations to fund a specific project.
Since we launched this campaign, we’re proud to note that the Shakespeare in the Park 2013 project has been selected by the Kickstarter organization as both the Project Pick of the Day (among the thousands of other causes) and as a Staff Pick for Milwaukee projects.
If we meet our goal, Kickstarter turns your pledge into money by charging your credit card. If we don’t make it, then you don’t get charged and Optimist Theatre does not get any money.
MAKE A KICKSTARTER PLEDGE HERE
Our deadline to tally pledges for the challenge grant is the end of the day February 28, 2013.
When meet their challenge, BMO Harris will turn every $1 you give to $2.
AS YOU LIKE IT News
Optimist Theatre is excited to present William Shakespeare’s comedy AS YOU LIKE IT and we’re proud to announce the cast for this year’s production…
Mr. Tom Reed,* Director
Ms. Tess Cinpinski as Phoebe
Mr. Todd Denning* as Touchstone
Mr. Christopher Elst as
Charles/Oliver Martext
Ms. Alison Mary Forbes as Amiens
Mr. David Franz as Oliver
Mr. James Fletcher* as Duke Senor/Duke Frederick
Mr. Clayton Hamburg as Orlando
Ms. Kristin Hammargren as
Rosalind
Mr. Evan Koepnick as Silvius
Mr. Patrick Lawlor* as Jacques
Mr. Bryce Lord as Adam/Corin
Mr. Emmit Morgans as Le Beau
Ms. Tamsyn Reed as Lady Page
Ms. Genesee Spridco as Audrey
Ms. Sara Zientek as Celia
In addition to these actors and roles, Optimist Theatre will again cast a young company of players. In THE TEMPEST, they were The Tribe; TWELFTH NIGHT had The Nocturnes; and they were The Coven for MACBETH. For AS YOU LIKE IT, we will have The Guild.
Ongoing announcements, including casting for The Guild, will be posted here on the Optimist Theatre blog.
Dates: Performance dates are slated for July 11 (preview night for media), July 12 (opening night), 13 and 14 and July 18, 19, 20 and 21. Possible additional dates will be July 25, 26 and 28.
Location: Performances will be held at the brand new amphitheatre in Kadish Park overlooking the beautiful downtown Milwaukee skyline.
*Members of Actors Equity Association.
AS YOU LIKE IT Fun
FUN 1: Yet again, Shakespeare has his heroine dress as a boy to escape detection. Ah, Rosalind. But hey, if it works once (or 4 or 5 times)…
QUIZ: What name does Rosalind assume as a boy in disguise?
FUN 2: In the original text, there are actually two characters named Jaques in AS YOU LIKE It. One is a melancholy lord attending to Duke Senior, the other is Jaques de Boys, the brother of Oliver and Orlando.
QUIZ: Which Jaques delivers the famous “All the world’s a stage” speech?
FUN 3: Musical Comedy? AS YOU LIKE IT has more songs in it than any other Shakespeare play.
QUIZ: How many songs are featured in AS YOU LIKE IT?
Community Partner News: MKEFoodies
MKEFoodies is a group of ordinary Milwaukeeans who enjoy food, drink, and socializing. More importantly, it’s a collective that believes that community is vital, and that giving back makes a big difference.
Shakespeare in the Park has been selected to benefit from MKEFoodies’ February gathering.
Thank you. We are honored.
Watch for more updates
To see how the pledge drive is going, check in on our Kickstarter or on our Facebook page.
Thank you for your consideration and support. Here’s to a shining 2013 and we’ll see you at Kadish Park!
Optimistically
Susan Scot Fry
Managing Director
Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company. All donations are 100% tax deductible. For more information, visit www.OptimistTheatre.org.
Thousands more people will get to experience free Shakespeare in the Park
Now in our fourth year, Optimist Theatre’s Free Shakespeare in the Park is taking on a new challenge, new play, new partners, and a new location…
What:
July of 2013, Optimist Theatre is pleased to present William Shakespeare’s comedy AS YOU LIKE IT.
Plunge in with Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court to find love and adventure in the Forest of Arden. Featuring iconic Shakespearean character Touchstone, the court jester, played by Milwaukee’s Todd Denning, AS YOU LIKE IT includes one of the Bard’s most famous and oft-quoted speeches, “All the world’s a stage.” Associate Artistic Director and Shakespeare in the Park Producer, Tom Reed, recently seen in the title role in Optimist’s 2012 MACBETH, will direct.
How and Why:
BMO Harris Matching Grant Challenge – BMO Harris has offered a $20,000 challenge grant to fund Optimist Theatre’s 2013 season. If we can raise the matching funds by March 1st, then BMO Harris will match it dollar for dollar. The resulting $40,000 means Optimist Theatre can produce free Shakespeare in the Park.
Since BMO Harris Bank bought the historic M&I Bank Corporation in 2011, they’ve made impressive inroads in community connections by funding a variety of projects. This includes sponsoring local sports teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and the BMO Harris Bradley Arena.
Although audience attendance is free, there are many production costs to offer a professional show. Optimist Theatre focuses the largest portion of our annual budget on hiring cast and crew from Southeastern Wisconsin, primarily from the greater Milwaukee area. The bulk of our budget goes to pay local artists and craftspeople which they in turn pay into the local economy.
Kickstarter – We’ve already raised $8,400. During the month of February 2013, an ambitious $11,600 Kickstarter campaign will help meet the BMO Harris challenge grant. All donations are tax deductible.
Kickstarter is a crowdsourced fundraising platform focused specifically on creative projects. It has become a popular fundraising source for small organizations and several successful campaigns by Milwaukee-based initiatives have been run in the last year; Youngblood Theatre’s CARTOON, BeinTween’s Matireal Trail, and the Blue Hawaii Spectacular variety show, to name a few.
To support Shakespeare in the Park and help meet this challenge, click HERE for the Kickstarter link. You will, in turn, be helping thousands more people experience live theatre – many for the very first time.
Where:
A new home – The Selig-Joseph-Folz Amphitheatre in Kadish Park.
After 3 successful seasons in the Alumni Courtyard on the campus at Alverno College, Shakespeare in the Park is moving to the recently constructed Selig-Joseph Folz Amphitheatre in Kadish Park located at 308 E Lloyd St in Milwaukee. According to veteran lighting designer Jason Fassl, the new amphitheater, “is magic.”
Kadish Park, named for Alice Bertschy Kadish, a Milwaukee Public Schools teacher, is at the crossroads of four diverse Milwaukee neighborhoods; Riverwest, the Eastside, and Brewer’s Hill, with a sliver of Harambee nearby. It is managed by the COA Youth & Family Centers (Children’s Outing Association), and the new amphitheater is the vision of its Executive Director, Tom Schneider. The COA is one of Milwaukee’s most venerable community organizations.
The amphitheatre features built in retaining wall seating which will expand on audience capacity. In 2012, seating reservations for free Shakespeare in the Park booked solid within 36 hours. This seating configuration will increase availability and ease. Translation: No More Reservations Required! Come and enjoy this lovely public park, picnic, and stake out a space to see the play when the ‘house’ opens.
The amphitheatre makes its premiere on July 9th, 2013 with a grand ceremony and music performance of the Skyline Music Series. Optimist Theatre will be the inaugural theatre company to perform at the new venue. Performances of AS YOU LIKE IT begin on July 12th.
Kadish Park is easily accessible by Milwaukee County Transit System and the Oak Leaf Bike Trail. Free street parking is also available around the park and in the COA lot.
When:
AS YOU LIKE IT Performance Dates:
July 11 Preview for Media
July 12 Opening Night
July 13, 14
July 18, 19, 20, 21
Possible additional dates: July 25, 26, 28
Who:
About free Shakespeare in the Park Milwaukee – Now in its 4th year, Optimist Theatre brings the grand tradition of free Shakespeare in the Park to Milwaukee. Beginning in 2010 with THE TEMPEST, starring theatre legend James Pickering as Prospero, in 2011, Optimist presented TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by Laura Gordon and starring Todd Denning, and in 2012 MACBETH, starring Marti Gobel and Tom Reed.
For More Information: Visit the Optimist Theatre website at www.OptimistTheatre.org for details about the 2013 season and to find out more about the Kickstarter campaign.
CONTACT:
Susan Scot Fry
Managing Director
SSFry@OptimistTheatre.org
262.498.9788
http://www.OptimistTheatre.org
* Todd Denning is a member of Actors Equity Association.
Optimist Theatre's Blog and Latest Info 