Free, outdoor theater performances in public parks on summer evenings: it’s one of the great traditions of summer. Shakespeare plays are undoubtedly the most chosen for these picnic performances; I don’t know why that is… maybe it’s their universal appeal, their familiarity, the outlandish humor of the comedies, or the undeniable brilliance of the bard. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that Shakespeare is tops – and the most performed of all his park-staged plays is certainly the comedic gem that is perfectly suited to both wooded glens and a summer evenings: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Shakespeare in Clark Park, West Philly’s resident Shakespeare company, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year with the classic production. Their shows are always stellar, with solid acting, impressive production values (the show is outdoors, for crying out loud!), and overflowing energy. The production will expand on an awesome element of last year’s show by including a musical component. Instead of just a few bizarre musical interludes, a three piece band will be accompanying the performers, featuring unique compositions played on accordion, violin, and percussion. Shakespeare wrote song-and-dance sequences into the play but didn’t include any actual musical notations, so this production will bring the segments to life and would certainly make him proud. Spectators’ picnic blankets, lawn chairs, bottles of wine, and romping dogs will combine with the excitement of the show and the loveliness of Clark Park to create a festive one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

The show will run for five performances, opening on Wednesday night and running through Sunday night, always at 7pm. Get there early – crowds on weekend nights can top 1,000 audience members, and prime seating gets claimed quickly! (In the event of rain, the performance gets moved inside to the Calvary Center at 48th and Baltimore.)

Catching a performance is a cultural rite of summer. Put it on your calendar: with Puck, Oberon, and Titania flitting about Clark Park (on BMX bikes, rumor has it), it’s sure to be an enchanted evening.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Presented by Shakespeare in Clark Park
Wednesday, July 28 - Sunday, August 1, 2010
All Performances at 7PM
www.shakespeareinclarkpark.org

Clark Park (Near ‘The Bowl’)
Intersection of Chester Avenue and 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
www.clarkpark.info