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Aug. 15th, 2008 11:16 pmMy friend Denise and i have been going to see the local Shakespeare by the Sea company perform in Point Pleasant Park for years. We don't get there every year but we've gone to quite a few. They perform in a little clearing that's sheltered so it isn't too breezy but since it is quite near the mouth of the harbour, it can get a bit chilly at night once the sun goes down but it can also be blazing hot in the afternoon performances. This summer they're doing a version of Cinderella as their family show (yes, i know that's not Shakey), and Midsummer Night's Dream which we've seen several times before. They've done that before a few times as well. I guess it must be quite popular. I like it but it's not on my top list. As a percentage, I probably haven't seen all that many Shakespeare plays done live either in the park or on stage, maybe about a dozen, and have seen quite a few various versions on screen.
Anyway, the third play they are doing this summer is Othello. I know the story more or less but I'd never seen it all before. The company bagged two very excellent actors for the lead characters of Othello and Iago, just superb, especially Jeremy Webb as Iago. He had very impressive skills, body language and seemed very comfortable with the dialogue. Troy Adams played the Moor and again, did a very good job. Just excellent but Iago was the star for me. The rest of the lead players weren't too bad either but paled in comparison because the other two were so good. The play is put on in front of the ruins of Cambridge battery, an old remnant of a fort that used to be there guarding the harbour. the camp chairs are lined up on either side of a center "stage" and actors sometimes use the walls as towers and upper floors of houses. There are minimal sets, just some boxes and benches that get moved around. I notice the company has a good set of lights for after sundown. I haven't gone in the evening for quite awhile so that was new as were the two porta-potties. There probably could have been some better fight scenes, which seemed a bit rushed whenever they were on but that was really my only complaint. They use modern dress for the most part. Old Canadian military combat uniforms for the soldier scenes, the women in floaty skirts and lacy tops.
When i first started going, they were suggesting a 5 dollar donation. It's now a 15 dollar donation and if you donate more than 20, you'll get a tax receipt becasue they're a non profit organization. They held a raffle last year and it raised a good amount for them so they're doing it again this year, a trip for two to London with tickets to the Globe theatre, air fare, two nights in a hotel and $500 spending. It's well worth the entry fee though. These are all professionals. It's not an amateur hour or school play. It's a bit dark coming out of the park, though. No lights on the path and it's uphill-ish most of the way back to the parking lot but there was a full moon so it wasn't too bad and lots of people walking along. A few smart people brought flashlights.
With the performance, and a nice pub meal before hand, we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. One of the two nice days this week. Back to the rain tomorrow.
Anyway, the third play they are doing this summer is Othello. I know the story more or less but I'd never seen it all before. The company bagged two very excellent actors for the lead characters of Othello and Iago, just superb, especially Jeremy Webb as Iago. He had very impressive skills, body language and seemed very comfortable with the dialogue. Troy Adams played the Moor and again, did a very good job. Just excellent but Iago was the star for me. The rest of the lead players weren't too bad either but paled in comparison because the other two were so good. The play is put on in front of the ruins of Cambridge battery, an old remnant of a fort that used to be there guarding the harbour. the camp chairs are lined up on either side of a center "stage" and actors sometimes use the walls as towers and upper floors of houses. There are minimal sets, just some boxes and benches that get moved around. I notice the company has a good set of lights for after sundown. I haven't gone in the evening for quite awhile so that was new as were the two porta-potties. There probably could have been some better fight scenes, which seemed a bit rushed whenever they were on but that was really my only complaint. They use modern dress for the most part. Old Canadian military combat uniforms for the soldier scenes, the women in floaty skirts and lacy tops.
When i first started going, they were suggesting a 5 dollar donation. It's now a 15 dollar donation and if you donate more than 20, you'll get a tax receipt becasue they're a non profit organization. They held a raffle last year and it raised a good amount for them so they're doing it again this year, a trip for two to London with tickets to the Globe theatre, air fare, two nights in a hotel and $500 spending. It's well worth the entry fee though. These are all professionals. It's not an amateur hour or school play. It's a bit dark coming out of the park, though. No lights on the path and it's uphill-ish most of the way back to the parking lot but there was a full moon so it wasn't too bad and lots of people walking along. A few smart people brought flashlights.
With the performance, and a nice pub meal before hand, we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. One of the two nice days this week. Back to the rain tomorrow.
