Shakespeare on the Green is one of my favorite events of the year in Charlotte.  But of course you, my faithful readers, already know that from last year’s post.  To avoid writing a redundant blog about what a spectacular event this is, I just want to push out a friendly reminder that time is almost running out to catch this year’s performance of The Tempest.  As always, it’s a performance that shouldn’t be missed.  Somehow, each year’s production manages to be better than the year prior.  How Collaborative Arts is able to outdo themselves each year with a free production, I have no idea.

Arieal and Trinculo

Miranda and Prospero

Miranda, Ferdinand, and Alonso

What I like most about Shakespeare productions, be they movies or plays, is the creativity behind the staging.  In college I saw a production of As You Like It that took place in the Alden Library at Ohio University.  The Tempest takes place in modern times and the characters are all dressed as stranded tourists from a cruise ship.  One character, Stephano, is even a cameo to Johnny Depp’s role as Hunter Thompson in The Rum Diary.  Stephano and his fellow drunken friends, Trinculo and The Monster are absolutely hysterical.  Another highlight of The Tempest is the nod to Beetlejuice’s Day-O scene.

Stephano and The Monster

Stephano and The Monster

Day-O Scene

You only have five performances left to catch The Tempest.  The production runs this Wednesday, June 13 through Saturday, June 16 starting at 8:00pm.  The final performance is on Sunday, June 17 at 6:30pm.  Grab your blanket, picnic dinner, and bottle of wine (or maybe even craft beer) and pop-a-squat on the lawn at The Green in Charlotte.  Get there early as seats are first come, first serve.  We arrived an hour prior and had plenty of selection.  I recommend reading a summary of the plot as there is not one in the program and Shakespeare can be hard to follow.  I found this one on Spark Notes.  Also remember to give a donation, this is a free performance after all.

The Cast

Our New Picnic Set

Picnicking on the Green

Enjoying Shakespeare on The Green