Shakespeare on the Green comes alive at Elmwood Park
Andrea Barbe
Issue date: 6/3/08 Section: Arts & Leisure
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Shakespeare on the Green has been a strong staple in the Midwest for 22 years. Several actors from Omaha and all over the country will perform two of the poet's most popular plays, "Much Ado About Nothing" and "King Lear" in Elmwood Park, located just south of 60th and Dodge streets.
Last year, the festival tried something new with the introduction of Towne Square and Greenshow.
"Starting an hour before each show, we offer the crowd some entertainment," said Nebraska Shakespeare Spokeswoman Nellie MacCallum. "This used to include jugglers and musicians entertaining the crowds, but this year, we have a string quartet, trumpet players from the UNO music department, a south Omaha mariachi band … just a beautiful variety of music."
In addition, MacCallum said that there would be several tents set up, ones for concessions and others that will aim at providing viewers with an "educational Shakes-perience."
"There are a few gazebos set up around the park that allows people to engage in a small group dialogue about his work," she said. "There is even something for the kids. They'll provide a Shakespeare puzzle and a sheet with Shakespeare's face on it for kids to color. There is even a place for trying on costumes."
For those who want to come earlier for a bite to eat before the play, the festival will introduce its first annual barbeque, which will offer chicken on a stick, shrimp on a stick and barbeque sandwiches for a reasonable price. The grilling begins at 5:30 p.m.
One thing that hasn't changed over the years is the knowledge and skill of the directors.
Two of UNO's theater professors returned to lend their abilities to these performances. Cindy Melby Phaneuf, artistic director and co-founder of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, directed "Much Ado About Nothing" while associate artistic director D. Scott Glasser directed "King Lear."
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