This July, Philadelphia’s Shakespeare celebrations are bringing a delightful mix of pop culture and classic literature to life, with a vibrant revival of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” presented by Shakespeare in Clark Park.
The production, titled “A Bottom’s Dream,” is a whimsical pop, punk, disco musical adaptation set in West Philadelphia’s Clark Park, perfect for anyone seeking a joyful escape during these tumultuous times.
Shamus McCarty, the producing art director of Shakespeare in Clark Park, mentioned, “We planned this season before the election and executive orders and forms of hate emerged.”
Although the themes may resonate with current events, McCarty assured audiences that these connections are merely coincidental.
“It feels like a great response to the government, but it wasn’t,” he added with a lighthearted tone.
The production features a drag queen, Lili St. Queer, as the fairy queen, creating what McCarty describes as a “joyful, rock-and-roll, disco in the park moment.”
Shakespeare enthusiasts can look forward to a delightful and inclusive take on the Bard’s classic tale, which explores the mix-ups and gender-bending antics of four lovers, a theater troupe of amateur actors, and a magical forest full of manipulative fairies.
Notably, there’s also the hilarious addition of a magic potion leading to some characters transforming into half-donkeys, a comedic nod to Shakespeare’s iconic humor.
“A Bottom’s Dream” is unapologetically queer and addresses a significant conversation about gender diversity in storytelling.
McCarty emphasized the importance of creating narratives that celebrate this diversity without centering on trauma, as he stated, “Is it really a story if it’s not about trauma? Where’s the queer joy? Where is the trans joy?”
The joy McCarty hopes to evoke is very much alive in “A Bottom’s Dream,” which features book, music, and lyrics by Boston playwright Jay Eddy.
During the interview, McCarty expressed his preference for engaging with new theatrical works but acknowledged his deep passion for Shakespeare’s timeless plays.
He noted that while Shakespeare’s works might not initially seem compatible with his personal style, they offer an open canvas for innovation due to the lack of stringent stage directions.
“Because it’s in the public domain, you can cut it whatever way you want. It feels like a new story,” he explained, highlighting the creative freedom Shakespeare’s works provide.
Running from July 23-27 at 7 p.m., the seven-member cast and community chorus will perform for free at Clark Park.
Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, picnics, and their families for this outdoor theatrical experience.
In the event of rain, performances will be rescheduled at Annenberg Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
For those craving even more Shakespearean encounters, a day trip to the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University in Center Valley should not be missed.
The festival promises an all-day extravaganza of various Shakespeare performances, kicking off with a special kids’ event, “Shakespeare For Kids,” at 10 a.m., designed to introduce younger audiences to the magic of Shakespeare.
Following this, the festival will feature “Hamlet” at 2 p.m., followed by evening performances at 7:30 p.m. which include choices between “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” or “Timon of Athens.”
For those interested in culinary experiences tied to the theatrical themes, the festival will host a specialty dinner, “Savoring Shakespeare,” with a curated menu, anticipated to feature dishes influenced by the plays represented that day.
The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival hosts various productions throughout July, including performances of “Hamlet” from July 9 to August 3, with family-friendly offerings like “Shakespeare For Kids” running from July 23 to August 2.
If you venture to the festival, don’t forget to explore the local attractions such as the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, renowned for its delicious garlic ring bologna.
Additionally, the Lehigh Valley Zoo and Trexler Game Preserve offer a delightful outdoor experience, where hiking trails lead visitors through lush parks and around bison.
Meanwhile, Delaware Shakespeare is breaking new ground with their bilingual and musical rendition of “Twelfth Night,” titled “Twelfth Night, O Lo Que Quieras,” running from July 17 to August 3 in Rockwood Park, Wilmington.
This innovative collaboration between Philly artists Liz Filios and Tanaquil Márquez aims to reach family audiences while celebrating the comedy’s themes of love and gender-bending humor.
Visitors to Rockwood Park can also enjoy guided or self-guided tours of the park’s beautiful gardens and a historic house museum, with free tours available on August 3.
As fans of the Bard gather in various locations around Philadelphia and its surroundings, it’s an exciting time to celebrate both classic and contemporary interpretations of Shakespeare’s work, spreading joy and creativity in every performance.
image source from:billypenn