Merchant of Venice at Mayslake Peabody Estate

It's the second time my mom and I treated ourselves to some outdoor Shakespeare at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois in a few years. We enjoy the lovely grounds at the estate, and the actors always do a wonderful job with the traditional Shakespeare settings and action.

This year we went to The Merchant of Venice on July 12--which was a perfect evening. Many individuals chose to bring picnics and chairs (and other accoutrements) for an outdoor experience to rival that of Ravinia. We just brought ourselves and bought two beverages from the concession tent (cash only please!). You can also rent chairs onsite for a small convenience fee (cash or, last time, I pre-leased online I believe), or use one of the couple of wooden benches at the very top of the amphitheater hill--though watch the incline as you get on and off because that first step's a lulu.

The stage is set for First Folio Theatre's Merchant of Venice 

All the actors were profoundly moving and enjoyable in their roles. Michael Goldberg as Shylock was a sight to behold--very tragic and pensive in his vengeful anger. We grimaced at the fate of Michael Joseph Mitchell's Anthonio in the court scenes.

The costumes were lovely, the background/stage was a wonderful scene that reminded mom and I of our trip to Venice in 1998.

Mom and I hope to be able to make an appointment next year to see what Shakespeare selection will be running!

The Mayslake Peabody Estate is also open for tours, but I have yet to be able to match the schedule and drop by.

The DuPage County Forest Preserve runs the estate, and independent play company First Folio runs the plays. To learn more about the Mayslake Peabody Estate you can check out their website, and to learn more about First Folio Theatre's plays you can check out their website.

The Morton Arboretum and the Theatre-Hikes Company

The Morton Arboretum's Theatre Hikes,
originally uploaded by jeda21.

I went to my first theater hike of the season, Hound of the Baskervilles, presented by Theatre-Hikes again at The Morton Arboretum. It was AWESOME.

Notwithstanding a little hot and damp, it was mostly shady, and no skeeters to bug one as I sat and viewed a great show of a great favorite.

The hike was healthy, I believe they've expanded that portion of the program. Which is always a plus. Alas, I didn't wear my blister relief cream and got a couple of unpleasant souvenirs! Oh well.

Also got to spy a bride getting some snaps taken around Thornhill on the Arboretum grounds, then a separate wedding party near the visitors' center preparing to dine post-event. Two weddings in one day! Good for the Arboretum. Lovely locale for any celebration.

I can't wait for the rest of the theatre hike season's shows: Wind in the Willows, The Tempest, and Curse of the Werewolf.

Love, love, love.

To learn more about The Morton Arboretum you can check out their website, and to learn more about the independent Theatre-Hikes company you can check out their website. Let's support the arts!

Shakespeare's In Town

Last night I attended the opening night of a three-actor farse based on all of William Shakespeare's plays (dramas, comedies, apocrypha). It was titled: The complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) and it runs until this weekend--my ticket was only $5! A steal.

It was so fast and slapstick silly that you had to know a little about each storyline in order to catch the ever-so-subtle and hilarious mentions.

the intrepid trio behind this farse
photo borrowed from article linked above

The three young actors show great promise, each equally. They are current students and developed together a hilarious farse that melds our love and hatred for Shakespeare and his plays, while interspersing some modern culture in an unusual but very effective way.

One of the young actors,  Mark of Glen Ellyn, was an audience plant and was sitting right next to me...had I realized it sooner, I wouldn't have sat down and stuck my nose in the book (Uncommon Therapy by Jay Haley) I brought to keep me company till the play started. He exhibited the most range, acting as the ladies' roles in most of the acts.

Romeo and Juliet was my favorite, seconded only by the Othello Beastie Boys-style  rap.

I did leave at the intermission, however begrudgingly, as it was already 8:30 pm and I wanted to spend some time with the significant-other unit and Benny before I had to call curtains on the day.

This trio is extremely high-energy and takes advantage of and demolishes the fourth wall in such a masterful way, like few can.