Picnic with Shakespeare: theater at the beach
Shakespeare by the Sea performing “Two Gentlemen of Verona” in Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach, in 2012. Photo by Nicole Wessel
Shakespeare by the Sea is presenting two professionally-crafted works of William Shakespeare in 21 parks around Southern California. This year, the company will produce two plays never before offered in its 15-year history: “King John,” a larger-than-life drama about contention for raw power in Medieval Europe, and “All’s Well That Ends Well,” a cautionary tale about a young besotted woman in shameless romantic pursuit. The free, annual summer tour of Shakespeare classics has become a much-anticipated event, each summer drawing an audience of more than 20,000 to enjoy Shakespeare under the summer sky.
“All’s Well,” which opens on June 6, is a light-hearted exploration of a young woman’s ambitions for winning the man she has in her sights. Orphan daughter of a famous physician, Helena is hopelessly in love with Count Bertram, who is far beyond her reach socially and besides does not return her affections. However, fate intervenes, and through a set of extraordinary circumstances, she may just have a chance – if she can trick him into it.
With suitable fanfare and battlefield setting, “King John” opens June 13. A rarely performed play, this is a “Game of Thrones” set in the days of the Plantagenet dynasty. Competing interests are posturing and strategizing to build and ruin alliances through persuasion and deception, all for king and country and in the context of the battle for a certain fortified city in France. Shakespeare’s text makes this historic contention spring to life with inspired characters and dialog, if not historical accuracy. Note that although there is much discussion of battle, no actual fighting occurs on stage, so it’s very kid-friendly.
The two plays are presented in repertory at PointFerminPark through June 29, after which the tour begins. Over the following six weeks the all-volunteer company of actors will delight crowds throughout Los Angeles, including the BeachCities and Palos Verdes before returning to San Pedro for the final performances. Complete tour locations and dates are available at shakespearebythesea.org. B
Hermosa Beach, ValleyPark
“King John,” Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m.
“All’s Well That Ends Well, Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m.
Manhattan Beach, Polliwog park
King John,” Friday, July 12, 7 p.m.
“All’s Well That Ends Well,” Saturday, July 13, 7p.m.
Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
“King John,” Thursday, July 11, 7pm
Hess park, Rancho Palos Verdes
“All’s Well That Ends Well,’ Sunday, August 4, 7p.m.