A theater not bound by walls or a building, a performance written to be performed out in nature, all characteristics of this weekend’s world premiere of The Queen’s Museum.
The latest partnership between Citadel Theatre and Lake Forest Open Lands blends a theatrical and ecological gift in The Queen’s Museum, written by Mark Adamczyk, with outdoor performances that ran July 17 through July 20, at 350 North Waukegan Road in Lake Forest.
Citadel co-founder and artistic director, Scott Phelps, says he founded Citadel in 2002 with his wife, Ellen. The theatre, now in its 23rd season, has collaborated with Lake Forest Open Lands for 18 years.
“What began in 2007 as an interest in theatre or storytelling hikes along the trail, featuring tales like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Johnny Appleseed – has morphed over the past several years, into Citadel’s production of original musicals for the entire family, usually based on a children’s short story,” Phelps said.
Vice president and director of development for Lake Forest Open Lands, Paula Clair-Gould, says to come together to provide the venue for these productions has been such a positive and very much in line with their mission.
“As stewards of the land, we have been able to transcend the natural space, to expand and enlarge artistic experiences for our community in these native settings,” Clair-Gould said.
This year’s production brings audiences to The Queen’s Museum, directed by Ben Ballmer.
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The Queen’s Museum is based on the original short story, The Queen’s Museum by Frank Stockton, first published in January 1906, and adapted by musician and playwright Mark Adamczyk.
The monarch of the realm commissions the housing of her collection of artifacts for the inspiration and edification of the populace. What a noble idea! What a wonderful plan! What could possibly go wrong? Well, there’s this band of down-on-their-luck pirates, see, drawn to the scent of plunder and rousing dance numbers, coming together in another Citadel outdoor summer extravaganza full of music and fun for the whole family, according to the Citadel website.
Ballmer says directing for young audiences is part of a world of children’s theatre that relies on encouraging engagement and interaction with audience members during a performance.
“Actors learn to improvise and to involve the audience in the story — and in The Queen’s Museum, this swashbuckling adventure seems to come to life outdoors,” Ballmer said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.