Archive for the ‘Shakespeare’ Category

In a fantastic move, ARTFEST is returning to their roots in Dallas’ historic Fair Park over Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25). This event is an absolute must with more than 200 of the nation’s best artists displaying their creations.

Traditions continue with live bands, a Cultural Arts Stage featuring performing artists, and ARTFEST for Kids, presented by Tom Thumb, with free activities including the classic “Box City” in which children design and build a town with boxes that they decorate. Festival food favorites, such as funnel cakes, corndogs and cotton candy, will be available to purchase. In addition to Saturday and Sunday events, ARTFEST visitors can toast the weekend with a very special Wine Stroll Preview Party on Friday evening, which includes an art preview, “meet and greet” with the artists, a weekend pass to ARTFEST, complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

As always, ARTFEST is a fundraiser . . . unusual for an arts festival since most similar events of such magnitude are organized by cities and communities. To date, ARTFEST has raised over $12 million, with proceeds assisting numerous musical, dramatic, visual, and other arts organizations. Past beneficiaries include Dallas Chamber Music Society, USA Film Festival, Shakespeare Dallas and Dallas Center for Contemporary Art.

ARTFEST 2008 will be held at Fair Park (3809 Grand Avenue) over Memorial Weekend, May 23rd – 25th. The Wine Stroll Preview Party, $20 per person, is on Friday, May 23 from 6pm – 9pm. Advance discount tickets for the Wine Stroll can be purchased at Tom Thumb for $15 beginning May 5th. The main event will be held from 10am – 7pm on Saturday, May 24 and from 10am – 6pm on Sunday, May 25. General admission is $6 per day for adults; children under 6 are free. Advance discount tickets can be purchased at Tom Thumb for $5 beginning May 5. Parking is complimentary on Washington Avenue. For more information, visit www.artfest500.com or call 214.565.0200.

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!