Pack the lawn chairs and blankets to celebrate the Fourth of July outside with the fourth annual production of Sunsets with Shakespeare at Nancy L. Moore Park in Okemos.
Meridian Township’s live theater production will feature “As You Like It” at 6:30 p.m.
“It’s fun presenting Shakespeare because he can be interpreted in many ways once you understand his works,” director Todd Heywood said. “Last year we presented Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’”
Heywood, who started the summer production in 1999, said the shows have seen good support each year. He added fans should enjoy “As You Like It,” Shakespeare’s personification of love onstage.
The plot centers around Orlando and Rosalind, who dresses as a boy (Ganymed) to hide during her banishment from uncle Duke Frederick’s court. While disguised as Ganymed, Rosalind attempts to persuade Orlando to court her.
The main characters discuss the world, love, aging and death.
Playing the part of Rosalind/Ganymed is Lansing Community College theater freshman Ben Snyder.
“When (Heywood) first asked me I thought he was nuts because I didn’t think I was ready,” Snyder said. “But he convinced me I could do it and I felt that if I could play this role I could play any role as an actor.”
Incoming freshman Rob Huber plays Orlando.
“When we do the scene were we almost kiss I just kind of look through Ben,” Huber said. “It’s a typical acting technique.”
Heywood said the cast is strong, but the elements concern him.
“Outdoor theater is much different because you have to worry about more elements, such as weather and competing noises,” he said. “but it’s also more relaxing because the whole family can come out.
“If the children get restless they can enjoy other things in the park.”
“As You Like It” runs through Sunday, with another run July 11-14. The summer 2002 season’s second show is “The Tempest,” which runs Aug. 1-4 and 8-11. All shows are free and start at 6:30 p.m. in Nancy L. Moore Park.
The summer productions lure in between 1,000 and 1,500 people each year, and attendance has increased every year, said LuAnn Maisner, Meridian Township’s director of parks and recreation.
“Residents call us all the time and tell us they like the productions hosted every summer,” Maisner said. “But this year is the first year we’re having it on the holiday.”
Sunsets with Shakespeare was accepted as the first Mid-Michigan USA Initiative Project last week. The project was created by federal legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, and was designed to match victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with volunteer projects around the country.
Heywood said this year’s performance is dedicated to the memory of 53-year-old Bronz native Sareve Dukat, who’s been missing since the attacks.
“She attended the theater regularly when she was alive,” he said. “She attended plays like once a week so we’re dedicating this season to her.”
