The Bard is returning to the lake.
The 37th annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Sand Harbor will resound at Sand Harbor State Park from July 11– Aug. 23.
Close to 30,000 people are expected to attend.
For those whose memories of William Shakespeare recall boring high school readings it is time to reintroduce yourself to the flowing rhytym of words by one of the greatest English language writers.
While he did not Twitter, Shakespeare could quill.
From his pen flowed stories of sex scandals and returning war veterans, love lost and the antics of unscrupulous governmental leaders.
Sound familiar?
As titillating to modern audiences as they were to those during the 16th and 17th centuries two of his best comedies, “Much Ado about Nothing” and “Measure for Measure” will be running alternate nights with the exception of Mondays.
Shakespeare's work is a constant reflection of the human spirit, according to Festival Executive Director Catherine Atack.
“Betrayal, lust and other feelings are still emotions we deal with,” she said.
The “Ado” premise is in short the romantic tale with two sets of lovers, Claudio and Hero and Beatrice and Benedick. The former is a sweet courtly couple and the latter an equally paired duo of witty verbal warriors. Returning from war soldiers Claudio and Benedick are accompanied by Don Pedro, and his sullen and sneaky brother — Don John, when they rest at the home of Leonato where his daughter Hero and niece Beatrice also live.
Love blooms immediately between Claudio and Hero. However, the bloom fades through the spreading of Don John's malicious tales of unfaithfulness.
This production directed by Fontaine Syer, takes place in post World War II Messina, Italy where the waters of Lake Tahoe replaces the blue of the Mediterranean. Elizabethan era doublets and tights are substituted with tuxedoes and tight uniforms.
In “Measure for Measure” a sister's love for her wayward brother is the main story, and her trials and tribulations, in attempting to right his wrongs.
Along the way the novice nun has her virtue threatened, trades places with another in a vengeful judge's bed and ultimately marries a Duke who spends most of the play dressed as a monk. And don't forget it is a comedy.
Set in the hedonistic period of 19th century Vienna director Carole Healey promises a lushness of costume in an aesthetically colorful production in a YouTube interview.
Following the course of thwarted love is easy at the festival.
From premium seating with its complimentary wait service and close proximity to the stage to the upper gallery where spreading one's blanket under the stars is acceptable. Low chairs are also for rent.
During the Bard's time, food was an important accompaniment to the festivities at the legendary Globe Theatre, off London's River Thames. The Lake Tahoe Festival's Shakespeare Kitchen also delivers a bounty of summertime grilled goodies like tri-tip steak sandwiches, ahi or salmon to sandwiches even trays full of fresh vegetables with cheese or hummus. Young Shakespearean devotees are not forgotten and can enjoy fare from tacos and cheese quesadilla. A full bar selection will be available.
Aside from the activities on stage the Festival also brings the Bard to area children through the D. G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare Program. Now in its eighth year, a shortened version of “Much Ado About Nothing” will be presented free in the Reno-Tahoe-Truckee region beginning on July 21. In addition the Midsummer's Camps offered, in mid August, allow older children the opportunity to discover not only the history and language of Shakespeare but also build up their acting skills.
On Monday evenings it is music, not words, which will flow from the stage. From pops to classical, blues and Latin funk the Urban Village Concert Series every audience member will find a delight for the ears.
The plays and events at this year's Festival will hopefully make one forget the troubles of the current world and hopefully remember another immortal phrase of W. Shakespeare, “A light heart lives long.”