2009 Shakespeare Festival – Twelfth Night
There are some experiences in Charlotte that really drive home what a vibrant, special place it is. The Shakespeare Festival is one. I went last year to the Collaborative Arts’ performance of Romeo and Juliet with a group of families. We settled into chairs and onto blankets on The Green, a small downtown park, sharing snacks and treats. The stage was part of the park. Shakespearean characters seemed to just wander in from the street. At one point a man wandered in and sat on a bench, not realizing that the bench was part of the play. When he finally looked up and, to his horror, saw a whole audience looking at him, it was a classic moment.
If you’re worried that your kids won’t get the play, you might be surprised. The actors are so skilled that they convey the meaning of the words, even if you don’t understand every single thing they say. My own kids, 10 and 13 at the time, laughed at the jokes.
Several dogs in the audience (you are allowed to bring well-behaved dogs – which eliminates my dog Shaggy – on leashes) seemed to enjoy the show as well.
This year the outdoor Shakespeare play is Twelfth Night. As always, it’s absolutely free. Donations are welcome.
You have plenty of performances to choose from:
Thursday May 28, 8:00 pm
Friday, May 29, 8:00 pm
Saturday, May 30, 8:00 pm
Sunday, May 31, 6:30 pm
Wednesday June 3, 8:00 pm
Thursday June 4, 8:00 pm
Friday, June 5, 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 6, 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 7, 6:30 pm
Wednesday June 10, 8:00 pm
Thursday June 11, 8:00 pm
Friday, June 12, 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 13, 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 14, 6:30 pm
