The resonating words of legendary English poet and playwright William Shakespeare come to life in this year’s Shakespeare on the Green at Elmwood Park.
The event, which pays tribute to some of Shakespeare’s most recognizable pieces and features local Omaha actors, is part of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, which is poised to run from June through July.
“It’s free and it’s professional, quality entertainment,” said associate theater professor and Shakespeare on the Green interim artistic director Alan Klem, also one the cofounders of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival back in 1986. Several Creighton faculty and students are involved in the productions of the 23rd annual Shakespeare on the Green. One of the two productions is the beloved classic “Romeo and Juliet.” A new addition this year is the musical adaptation “Two Gentlemen of Verona: The Musical,” with music by Galt MacDermot (known for his music in Hair).
The musical is something different, and an opportunity to see if it stimulates interest, Klem said. The original Broadway production in 1971 won the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Book.
The musical incorporates such genres as rock ‘n’ roll, Latino and African-American soul, while the spoken lines are still Shakespeare’s original.
Arts & Sciences junior Patrick O’Malley and Arts & Sciences senior Wesley Pourier, are part of the technical crew for “Two Gentlemen of Verona: The Musical.” Jake McCoy, Arts & Sciences freshman, is a stage management intern and scenic carpenter. Arts & Sciences juniors Dan Tracy, Maria Becvar and Matt Karasek are actors. Creighton buildings operation manager and adjunct theater faculty Michael McCandless and former Creighton students are involved in the productions.
The Nebraska Shakespeare Festival also features Camp Shakespeare from June 28-July 9 and the 13th Annual Anne Dittrick Sonnet Writing Contest, which accepts submissions for Shakespeare-style sonnets until May 14 and then announces the winner June 24 at an awards ceremony.
The students and faculty involved in the festival are excited and anticipate another great year, with turnouts ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 a night, Klem said.
Elmwood Park, on 64th and Dodge Streets, allows audience members to bring their own chairs and food to the productions. Food and alcohol vendors are present in the park if audience members want a small snack or drink.
McCoy is looking forward to working with the professional actors that come from all across the country, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Milwaukee.
“I get to work with professional talent that I wouldn’t normally get to work with,” said McCoy, “The atmosphere is also great because it’s at night and underneath the stars.”
“Two Gentlemen of Verona: The Musical” plays June 24-27 and July 8 and 10. “Romeo and Juliet” plays July 1-4, 9 and 11, with shows starting at 8 every production night.
For more information, visit the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival website at http://www.nebraskashakespeare.com/.