For a few decades worth of summers, Buffalonians and out-of-towners have enjoyed the efforts of Saul Elkin and his troupe while seated upon the lush green hill of Delaware Park, noshing on picnic lunches and sipping brown paper bagged-beverages. Now in its 35th year, Shakespeare in Delaware Park will take on two pieces of the bard’s work this season as it always has–with flair.
Much Ado About Nothing features characters clothed in the garb of the 40s, the play set post-World War II. Offering the talents of fine Buffalo actors Dan Walker, John Fredo, Leah Russo and Lisa Ludwig, the cast totals fifteen in all–BR’s own Neil Garvey (a lifelong Shakespearean) among them.
Running Thursday, June 17th through July 21st, Much Ado is a fanciful romp not without a sturdier message. In a production augmented with the music of the period and a great cast, this one should be a real kick in the pants. Lord knows those actors turn up in all types of dubious weather–shan’t we?
Starting in July picnickers and theatre-lovers will have the opportunity to catch a version of Macbeth featuring an all-female cast.
In addition to the experience of viewing live (and free) outdoor interpretations of great Shakespearean works, on Tuesday nights all summer long guests can arrive early and take in a chat with directors Saul Elkin and Eileen Dugan. On Wednesdays, early arrivals will enjoy music from the likes of The Freudig Singers and Presto String Quartet. And, last but not least, a new concession stand/tech booth has been installed at the hilltop, lending beauty and increased architectural substance to this landmark operation.
Too busy to pack a picnic lunch? Stop by any of our local shops for a quick bite on the go: Lexington Co-op, Globe Market and Caffe Aroma are all fine eateries within a short distance of the park who have great food for all-weather hillside munching.
Much Ado About Nothing
June 17 – July 21
Tuesday – Sunday
7:30 pm
Macbeth
July 22 – Aug 15
Tuesday – Sunday
7:30 pm
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Lead image courtesy of SiDP.org. Depicts Saul Elkin in 2009’s The Tempest.