Free for All, Chicago’s First Citywide Tour of Free Shakespeare Comes to Dvorak Park On July 31
Published: July 19, 2012
A brand new, FREE theater event is coming to Pilsen this summer. On Tuesday, July 31 at 4 p.m., Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks will present The Taming of the Shrew at Dvorak Park (1119 W. Cullerton Street). For the first time in the history of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), Chicago Park District and The Boeing Company partner to launch Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, providing a live, free for all, professional theater performance in neighborhood parks across Chicago.
Beginning July 29 and continuing through Aug. 19, Chicagoans of all ages will enjoy a free performance of The Taming of the Shrew through each of the Park District regions. Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy about the battle between the sexes will feature professional actors in beautiful costumes on a traveling stage, underscored with original rock-inspired music, in this 75-minute, daylight production.
"We are so pleased to welcome Chicago Shakespeare Theater to our parks," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Michael Kelly. "This partnership creates a unique opportunity to enhance cultural offerings at parks across the city and hopefully begin a tradition of bringing free theatrical performances to families citywide."
In addition to Dvorak Park, other Central Region parks include: Douglas Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, Austin Town Hall, Humboldt Park, and Gateway Park at Navy Pier. South Region parks to be visited include: South Shore Cultural Center, Ridge Park and Tuley Park. North Region parks include Frank J. Wilson Park and Welles Park. A complete parks schedule can be found at www.chicagoshakes.com/parks.
Adapted and staged by Jeff Award-winning director Rachel Rockwell,Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks production of The Taming of the Shrew features Ericka Ratcliff, performing the role of strong-willed Katharina and Matt Mueller performing the role of Katharina’s sparring partner, Petruchio. The acting company also includes: Jeffrey Baumgartner, Tiffany Yvonne Cox, Max Ganet, José Antonio García, Eric Leonard, Kate LoConti, Robert Joseph Miller, Karack Osborn, Matthew Sherbach, Mick Weber and Jarrod Zimmerman.
"As Chicago's 'home for Shakespeare' for the past quarter century, CST has delighted in introducing millions of audience members to his timeless plays," said Barbara Gaines, Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater. "We are honored by this opportunity to make Shakespeare FREE FOR ALL Chicagoans and to share his insight and humor in a high-energy professional production, under the summer skies. Prepare to fall in love with Shakespeare—for the first time, or all over again!"
The new citywide arts initiative, the largest of its kind in the history of the Chicago Park District, is made possible by a grant from The Boeing Company, with additional support from BMO Harris Bank, Madison Dearborn Partners, Sara Lee Foundation, and the Chicago Shakespeare Trust.
For more information on Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/parks.
Posted in Pilsen Community, Arts, Community Events, Community Organizations
