A night of culture and comedy returns to Geneva’s Island Park Saturday, July 18 when the Midsummer Theatre Troupe takes the stage for a free outdoor performance of “Twelfth Night” at this year’s annual Shakespeare in the Park event.
This family-friendly performance is designed to entertain children and adults alike. Double entendres, slapstick humor, physical gags and dynamic actors are sure to provide laughs for all ages.
“Twelfth Night” tells to story of twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated after a shipwreck. Viola dresses in her brother’s clothes and becomes a page in the palace of the Duke of Orsino. Believing that Viola is a boy, the duke sends her with a message to Olivia with whom he is smitten. However, complications ensue when Olivia falls in love with the page.
“This is one of the Fox Valley’s can’t-miss nights,” said Kristen Duerdoth, Midsummer Theatre Troupe Director. “We have a really talented cast and great Shakespeare material. We are excited to bring this free production of ‘Twelfth Night’ to Geneva, and we think the audience will have a ball.”
Now in its ninth year, Shakespeare in the Park is presented by the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission. Admission is free ($5 suggested donation) and seating begins at 5 p.m. A pre-show performance by the State Street Dance Studio will begin at 6 p.m. The audience is encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic dinners to enjoy the 90-minute, Ravinia-style theater experience.
Food also will be available for purchase at the park. Stockholm’s will be selling sandwiches, chips and drinks while Graham’s will be serving up ice cream. Patrons also can browse the Circa tent for Shakespeare-themed merchandise.
The Geneva Public Library District will be hosting a Shakespeare-inspired interactive craft activity for children at 5 p.m. in the library tent. Shannon Whitt, an Aurora-based set decorator, prop designer and illustrator will lead the free art activity. She illustrated the children’s picture book, “The Bite Sized Bard: Shakespeare’s Seasons.”
Island Park is located at the corner of State Street and Route 25 in Geneva. Free parking is available at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., which is just a short walk across the covered bridge to the park.
For more information about the event or the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, visit the City's website at the link below or search “Geneva Shakespeare in the Park” on Facebook.