When CenterStage in Lake Forest sent out an email blast about its Shakespeare in the Parks production of “Romeo and Juliet” this summer, the response was the best the theater has had in a long time, said Barbara J. Anderson.
“Clearly people are looking forward to the return of theater,” said Anderson, director of “Shakespeare in the Parks” series, put on hold last summer due to the pandemic.
“I’m happy, excited and delighted,” Anderson said. “I love working with actors on Shakespeare. It’s so wonderful to be able to do shows outdoors and go to these different parks and bring it to people.” Experienced actors hail from Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Wheeling, Des Plaines, Evanston and other local towns, as well as Chicago.
Performances will be at 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 19. Locations include Aug. 21 and 22 at Lake Forest West Park, 850 Summit Ave.; Aug. 28 and 29 at the Glenview’s Gallery Park Amphitheatre, 2001 Patriot Blvd.; and Sept. 4, 5, 11 and 12 at the Lake Bluff Village Green, 29533 N. Waukegan Road. Two other performances will be held Sept. 18 and 19, with suburban locations to be announced online. Anderson suggested attendees bring lawn chairs or blankets.
CenterStage had selected “Romeo and Juliet” and the actors for its production last summer, then canceled due to the pandemic. Nearly all the actors agreed to come back and do all the performances this summer, Anderson said.
Anderson, former New Trier High School theater teacher, said she and her husband, Edward Kuffert, who run CenterStage, started the outdoor Shakespeare in the Parks five years ago. “We did three comedies in a row. I thought I should try to do a tragedy,” Anderson said.
But do be prepared for some laughter, she said. “‘Romeo and Juliet’ has a lot of humor in it.”
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For example, “the guys hanging out together at Verona are like a bunch of college fraternity brothers, she said. “They’re goofing around. They’re making jokes. They’re having fun. They’re teasing each other. Even Romeo, when he’s hanging out with the guys, is having fun. They’re enjoying life together. This play is full of life, not just death,” she said.
Anderson added Juliet’s nurse provides comic relief. “She is a bawdy, old gal, although she does have some serious moments,” she said.
This tragedy has happiness in it, she said, including reconciliation at the end of the play when peace is restored in Verona.
There’s also a scene that rings true especially during the pandemic, because there’s a plague in town and that keeps a young friar from delivering an important message.
“Shakespeare speaks to us and it’s amazing how many things (he wrote about) are universal and we can learn from now,” Anderson said.
The production is done in period costumes. “We are blessed with the skills of two very talented costumers,” she said.
“The sword fight scenes are amazing,” she added. “These guys are so good.”
Kuffert, who has extensive background in fight choreography, worked on the sword scenes with the actors, who also offered their suggestions.
“We have some dynamic action happening that really tells the story,” Kuffert said. “Part of the goal of any good combat choreography is that it isn’t just about a guy swinging swords, but it’s also telling a story about a connection in a moment between two people. A sword fight advances your plot. You’re acting without lines. You’re acting with blades in your hands.”
Kuffert said after the Shakespeare outdoor series, CenterStage of Lake Forest will announce the production house’s 50th anniversary 2021/2022 season.
Shakespeare in the Parks: ‘Romeo and Juliet’
When: 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 19
Location: Various north suburban parks listed above
Tickets: Free
Information: 847-234-6062; centerstagelakeforest.org
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.