Shakespeare in the summertime in Buffalo

by Sarah Tanbakuchi
Niagara Frontier Publications, July 5, 2007

Shown above (left to right) are Robert Rutland, who plays the King, and Kate Loconti, who plays Helena, from the “Shakespeare in the Park” production of “All’s Well That Ends Well.” It continues at Delaware Park through July 16. (photo by Chris L. Yuen)

Lawn chairs and picnic blankets were snugly arranged amidst an audience of all ages on the hill that overlooks the wooden stage of “Shakespeare in Delaware Park” for a recent Saturday performance of “All’s Well That Ends Well.”

This Shakespearean comedy, directed by Derek Campbell, marks the first play of “Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s” 32nd season, which began on June 21.

Set in the era of pre-World War I Edwardian Europe, this unique comedy was only previously preformed once before by “Shakespeare in Delaware Park,” in 1987. Often considered a “problem play,” “All’s Well That Ends Well” cannot simply be classified as typical Shakespearean comedy due to some of the unusually tragic circumstances folded into the plot.

The play tells the story of Helena, the poor daughter of a doctor who has recently died, and her unrequited love for Bertram, the Count of Rousillon. Upon saving the life of the King of France, Helena is awarded the opportunity to choose Bertram as her husband. However, Bertram is horrified by the prospective of a wife he deems socially inferior, and flees to fight with the Duke of Florence. What ensues is the typical comedic confusion of miscommunications and trickery, as Helena connives to entrap her husband as a willing spouse.

The night’s audience was entertained by an engaging performance. Shakespeare’s more “adult” humor elicited hearty laughs throughout the evening, while the younger audience members enjoyed a swordsmanship display and a particularly memorable scene involving the mock kidnapping of the cunning and impeccably dressed Parolles, by his own soldiers.

Beadwork, sashes, and shiny brass buttons complimented the costumes of the royalty, designed by Ken Shaw. The gown worn by the Countess of Rousillon, played by Lisa Ludwig, was accented by jewelry designed specifically for this production by Buffalo artist and jewelry designer Annie Adams. For a $1 donation, audience members can enter to win the Countess’ handcrafted necklace and earrings.

The second play of the season will take a more serious turn with the tragedy “Othello,” directed by “Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s” founder and artistic director Saul Elkin, beginning on July 26.

According to Elkin, this year’s performance will be set in the era of the Roman Empire, during the period the Empire converted to Christianity. “Othello,” like “All’s Well That Ends Well,” has also only been previously preformed once.

“Shakespeare in Delaware Park” offers the second largest free outdoor Shakespeare theater in the United States, and has been attracting audiences of families and friends to the hill in the warm summer weather to enjoy this Buffalo tradition for more than three decades.

“It’s the most important thing I do,” said Elkin, regarding “Shakespeare in Delaware Park.” “It has been at the center of my life for 32 years.”

Elkin said “Shakespeare in Delaware Park” is unique in that it brings together so many people that would not normally go to the theater. The opportunity to watch Shakespeare at night under the stars creates an atmosphere bringing together a community and introduces this playwright to new and younger audiences every year.

In an effort to further involve younger audience members, programs for “All’s Well That Ends Well” now include an inserted family theatre guide complete with a short synopsis of the play, description of key characters, focus on key lines, and a crossword puzzle.

“Anyone can sit outside and listen to the words of Shakespeare … there is nothing like it,” said Ludwig, managing director and actress in “All’s Well That Ends Well.” “ ‘Shakespeare in Delaware Park’ is a gift to Buffalo.”

All performances are free and open to the public. “Shakespeare in Delaware Park” provides the unique opportunity to enjoy the works of one of the greatest playwrights in history in a relaxing atmosphere among lawn chairs and picnic blankets in scenic Delaware Park, overlooking Hoyt Lake – in short, a perfectly entertaining summer evening.

Performances are held at 7:30 p.m. every evening, weather permitting, except for Mondays in Delaware Park next to Hoyt Lake, behind the Rose Garden. “All’s Well That Ends Well” continues through July 16 and “Othello” begins July 26 and runs through Aug. 19.

For more information, visit www.ShakespeareInDelawarePark.org.