Although you wouldn’t be able to guess as much when looking at the muddy construction site at Vanier Park, Bard on the Beach will soon be open. The Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival will open their 22nd season with the light-hearted romantic comedy As You Like It.
The play is staged Tuesdays through Sundays, June 2 to September 24th in the brand spanking new 742 seat custom-built Mainstage Theatre tent in Vanier Park.
And although I was unable to attend the press conference myself, I have it upon good authority that the Bank of Montreal’s (BMO Financial Group) very generous support of the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival has earned them the right to have the new stage titled the BMO Mainstage.
Ignoring the financial matters for the time being though, it is with great pleasure that I tell you, our dedicated reader, that the director for As You Like It is, drum roll please….David Mckay!!
I don’t know what it is about David Mckay but my Sweetheart and I both adore the work that this guy does. His direction of The Comedy of Errors was exceptional. We are definitely looking forward to seeing what he does with As You Like It.
From what I have heard so far, David Mckay has set the play in 1642, in the midst of England’s Puritan era. The newly-configured thrust stage gave Mainstage Theatre Stage Designer Kevin McAllister the opportunity to showcase the sculptural elements that create the Forest of Arden. Add to that the work of Sound Designer Murray Price’s music and sound…welcome to the Forest or Arden!
However, all this is rather theoretical for me. I will wait for June 2nd when the previews begin for As You Like It. At that point I will be able to tell you what I think of the new thrust-stage and the massive new tent that holds all the Shakespearean drama.
Just for the record, the previews for As You Like It run June 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8th. The real deal begins on June 9th.
To see the entire season schedule and to get your tickets, visit the Bard on the Beach website or order by phone at 604-739-0559. To my mind, Bard on the Beach is the best theatre value our city offers. The best.
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One response to ““As You Like It” for Bard on the Beach”
I can’t wait to see their Merchant of Venice this summer… Could be biased, of course, but I’m thinking of bringing my own Portia. 🙂 And I’m a little biased toward the work of Dean Paul Gibson, whose stage presence and direction continually mesmerize me.
I have taken numerous school groups to Bard and it is guaranteed to make Shakespeare come alive for them in ways my lessons and even Kenneth Brannagh’s films never will do.
FYI, I just heard that Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong is doing A Midsummer Night’s Dream… Time for staceyrobinsmith.com and his Sweetheart to take a road trip, perhaps?