Geneva’s popular Shakespeare in the Park event returns to Island Park Saturday, July 17 with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The free performance starts at 6 p.m.

This light-hearted comedy, which is suitable for all ages, is a classic tale of runaway lovers, featuring a play-within-a-play and fairy feuds.

This year, Shakespeare in the Park welcomes Elgin-based Goodly Creatures to the stage. A traveling theater company, Goodly Creatures specializes in breathing new life into classic works of literature and making them accessible to all. Founder and artistic director Katrina Syrris has starred in and directed shows for the past two decades and previously performed for many years at Shakespeare in the Park with the Midsummer Theater Troupe.

The play tells the story of four young Athenians who run away to the forest. A mischievous fairy is sent to cast a magic love spell, but he botches the whole operation, resulting in hilarious confrontations, false professions of love, and a near sword fight. Deep in the forest, the fairy king and queen clash, while a group of artisans wanders along to perform a play. Comedy and confusion reign when these groups collide.

“‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will be a vibrant performance in homage to the Renaissance period,” Syrris said. “You will see a stage full of romantic imagery and a combination of both Renaissance and Greek styles to reflect the era in which Shakespeare was writing.”

Now in its 15th year, Shakespeare in the Park is presented by the City of Geneva’s Cultural Arts Commission. Seating begins at 4:30 p.m. at Island Park, located at the corner of State Street (Route 38) and Route 25 in Geneva. The audience is encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics. Sandwiches, water, soft drinks, and ice cream will be available for purchase.

Parking is available at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., and the Route 31 overflow commuter parking lot just south of the Union Pacific railroad underpass. The park is just a short walk using the covered railroad pedestrian bridge to cross the Fox River.

For more information, visit www.genevarts.org, call 630-938-4530 or follow Geneva Shakespeare in the Park on Facebook.

Shakespeare Workshop & Preview

In conjunction with the Geneva Public Library, the Cultural Ars Commission invites the public to celebrate all things Shakespeare at the Library's grand celebration events at 227 S. Seventh St.

Living the (Midsummer Night's) Dream: Language and Context of Shakespeare Comedy

Join theatre professionals Christine and Kevin Heckman for an exploration of one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" from 7:30 to 8:30 Wednesday, July 14. Participants will take part in a reading of scenes from the play, discuss Shakespeare's language and the context that surrounded its writing. This is a great way to prepare for Shakespeare in the Park. Registration is available online.

Sneak Preview of Shakespeare In The Park

Get an up-close look at the theater troupe Goodly Creatures, who will share some scenes from their upcoming show, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." From 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 16. there will be a series of performances throughout the Library, selfies with Nick Bottom in the Library's Literary Garden, and a Q&A with the actors. Weave between the bookshelves to discover Shakespeare's characters as they search for love under the spell of fairy magic. Watch out for the mischievous fairy, Puck. He may just pick you next. Registration is available online.