The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is bringing the Bard to the great outdoors this summer during its annual Shakespeare in the Park traveling performance series.
The troupe of six actors from the CSC Professional Intern Company will be presenting excerpts from Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet for free in parks, pavilions and public spaces across the Tri-State.
If you're unfamiliar, here are the descriptions of each show according to the CSC:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: "What happens when feuding fairies meddle in the love lives of human couples? Comical adventures, mistaken identities, and a silly play-within-a-play! The cast of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on tour including fairies and lovers as well as Nick Bottom and The Mechanicals as they hilariously attempt to rehearse and perform a play for the Duke’s wedding. In this whimsical forest, a happy ending is guaranteed for both sprites and mortals alike."
Macbeth: "Prophecies. Ambition. Murder. Madness. In Shakespeare’s famous cursed play Macbeth, we see the darkness of the world overcome the light. After an encounter with three witches on a Scottish battlefield, Macbeth must make a decision that will change the course of his life. Betrayal, love, bloodshed and tragedy adorn the path in this chilling, supernatural tale, leaving us wondering how far Macbeth will go to get what he wants. Tormented by visions and guilt when the price of his crimes take their toll, what fate awaits Macbeth? Find out in Shakespeare’s supernatural thriller."
Romeo and Juliet: "One of the most beloved romantic tragedies in Shakespeare’s canon, Romeo and Juliet is the tale of Bard’s star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juliet fall instantly in love only to discover they come from feuding families. In defiance of their families, amidst the animosity of friends and in concealment from their mentors, a young couple risk everything to be together. CSC is proud to present Romeo and Juliet and prove its continued relevance in the lives of young and old alike, throughout the ages."
Expect costuming, crowds and truncated showtimes (each show is approximately 90 minutes long with an intermission). All are suitable for children. No tickets required.
Shows start June 21. See a full schedule here.