By: Rick A. Elina
Already weary from television’s traditional summertime reruns or the cinematic blockbuster barrage hitting the local multiplexes? I thought so. One alternative to the standard summer fare combines a couple of treasured classics with a little moonlight and a lot of talent.
How about Shakespeare under the stars? Shakespeare Dallas offers Shakespeare in the Park, with performances of Othello and All’s Well That Ends Well.
Othello tells the story of when the noble Othello’s love and devout wife Desdemona’s purity succumb to the sinister Iago’s machinations. From the elaborate setting of Carnivale to the barren isle of Cyprus, Shakespeare’s powerful drama of uncontrolled human emotion captivates audiences with jealousy, treachery, murder and love.
Vince McGill is cast in the title role of Othello. Gazette readers may remember Mr. McGill as Tom Wingfield in Teatro delle Muse’s production of The Glass Menagerie, the first in the area to feature an all African American cast. Mr. McGill is one of the more talented actors in the Metroplex and any production, which showcases his ability, is worth seeing.
Othello continues June 22 through July 26 with performances on Sundays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Also being offered by Shakespeare Dallas is All’s Well That Ends Well. Helena is a humble physician’s daughter who is given Bertram’s hand in marriage after she cures the gravely ill King of France. Bertram refuses the arrangement but the passionate Helena won’t take no for an answer. All’s Well That Ends Well tells the story of how Helena struggles to win Bertram’s love in this romantic tale of desire and honor.
All’s Well is considered one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays” in that it doesn’t fit neatly into either of the categories, comedy or tragedy. Also the play is unique in that it’s the only one of the Bard’s works to feature a woman as the main character. Consider this in light of the historical fact that the actors of the day were all men.
All’s Well That Ends Well continues June 25 through July 25 with performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
All performances begin at 8:15 p.m. at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre. Fri. & Sat.: $10 adults/$7 seniors and students. Tues. – Thurs. & Sun.: $10 donation requested. Children 12 and under are free.
Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre is located at1500 Tenison Parkway Dallas, Texas 75223
Be sure to take full advantage of the setting and bring blankets and lawn chairs along with refreshments of choice. Moonlight and stars along with some amazing talent will be provided in abundance.
Rick A. Elina is a Plano, Texas based playwright and the Theatre Critic for the North Dallas Gazette.
