This season of Shakespeare Dallas concluded last month. It was a rainy one for the festival. According to their website, more than 90% of the 2007 season’s Shakespeare in the Park was affected by rain.

Those June and July showers seem so far away.

The theater company has raised more than $40,000 to offset losses. Good for them!

I didn’t get to see their productions this year. I had rather looked forward to the shows, but schedule and weather never quite worked out.

I love Shakespeare in the Park. I have seen some wonderful productions there.

I started attending regularly back in 1986 when I saw their production of Edwin Booth’s Hamlet, a retelling of the Hamlet portrayed by the famed 19th Century Shakespearean actor and brother of the Presidential assassin. It was a stunning performance, hooking me forever on the Bard’s tragedies.

An even stronger production followed in 1987. Neither before nor since have I seen such a powerful presentation of King Lear. Earle Hyman, from the Cosby Show, played the title role. He was amazing. He’s defined Lear for me.

Of course I saw those over at the Fair Park Bandshell. It was a great place to see a show. I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive Starplex.

Since then, the festival has given us a number of fine performances over at Samuell-Grand Park more than our fair share of Romeo & Juliet. In the last seven years, they’ve given four productions of the star-crossed lovers. Really, who needs that much teen angst?

Gotta love the festival. Plus, you get to bring your own picnic complete with adult beverages. Sweet!

I hate that I missed the shows this year. I’m hoping for better weather and less Romeo next season.

UPDATE: Man, I’m in luck! I just learned that Shakespeare Dallas will be presenting MACBETH at Samuell-Grand Park this fall! Hot-diggity!