Shakespeare In the Park

June 24, 2011

The sun begins to set, the air still holds the heat of the day, and the crickets begin to sing. The hum of conversations begins to quiet, and the Frisbee game is brought to a close in the back. People wander back to their seats, fill up their glasses with wine, and settle in for a good time. The spotlights can just faintly be seen on stage as the sunlight dies around us. Every year for the last ten years, my family has made it out to the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. It is such a wonderful experience. The festival runs from June 14th through July 3rd at Southmoreland Park right across the street from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

The show begins around dusk, but you've got to get there early if you want a good seat and a spot in the shade if it's hot outside. Grab some food or pack a picnic. Get there a couple of hours before the show starts, and spread out your blanket and lawn chairs. Bring along some cards or a game to kill time after you're done eating. There is a vast variety of foods to be seen at these picnics. People bring anything from wine and cheeses, to Jimmy Johns carry out. Anything goes. Brio Tuscan Grille serves food if you'd like to purchase it there, or you can even eat in the VIP tent before the show starts for a price. Seating is free and on a first come first serve basis. They do have seats available for purchase near the front for five dollars. There is a special spot right at the front of the stage you can reserve for twenty-five dollars a blanket. Admission to the festival is free, although they are always willing to take donations and it is appreciated.

This year the play is Macbeth, one of the classic Shakespeare dramas. If you are not familiar with the play, check out from the library on audiobook, or a great way to get a handle on Shakespeare is Macbeth: modern English version side-by-side with full original text. On the left side of the page is the modern English translation and on the right side of the page is the original text. So if you’re confused, just check out the modern translation.

This is such a spectacular and well done event that Kansas City has to offer. I would recommend that you don’t miss out this year! For more information on the festival and all the extra events they offer check out their website at http://www.kcshakes.org/.

Jenny C.
Smithville Branch