Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Tours ‘Dream’ and ‘Caesar’

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Julius Caesar” during its 2010 tour of 75 performances in 60 communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho and western North Dakota this summer.

This is the 38th season for the touring company, whose performances have become a summer tradition and seasonal highlight for many rural communities.

“This summer, the anticipated audience of over 30,000 will be treated to two performances that cover the broad perspective of Shakespeare’s genius as a playwright,” said Joel Jahnke, MSIP’s artistic coordinator and a professor of theater at Montana State University.

The company launches its 10-week tour with eight performances in Bozeman before hitting the road July 5. A complete schedule can be found at http://www2.montana.edu/shakespeare/.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. It features fairies, a magical forest, a love story and mistaken identity.

Jahnke said the play set has been designed so that the “real” world of Athens, where the play is set, will have a monochromatic flavor while the world of the forest will be a richly textured, magical world that although controlled by the fairies, is also a place of danger, of dark shadows, of mysterious things that happen to the lovers when they least expect them.

Jahnke said that, as always, the productions that feature 10 professional actors are at no cost to the public. The group depends on contributions for audience members as well as a variety of grants and donations from supporting companies. An outreach program of MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture, this year’s performances are supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, NorthWestern Energy, Stillwater Mining Company, Pacific Steel and Recycling, Gapwest Broadcasting, Montana Cultural Trust and the Montana Arts Council.

In contrast, “Julius Caesar” is Shakespeare’s classic tale of betrayal and tragedy. Jahnke said, “It is an exciting ride which includes espionage, secret alliances, murderous plots, political intrigue and lots of action. It serves as a cautionary tale for those who crave power and whose ambitions place personal gain above the public good.” The play will be directed by Will Dickerson.

All performances of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, with the exception of those at Bozeman’s Sweet Pea Festival, are free and tickets are not needed for admission. Audiences are encouraged to show up prior to the appointed curtain time with chairs, blankets, a picnic supper, and friends and family to enjoy the evening.

The summer tour schedule continues:

Sept. 2, Manhattan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alterbrand Park, 6 p.m.

Sept. 3, Gardiner, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Arch Park, 6 p.m.

Sept. 4, Laurel, Julius Caesar, Laurel Practice Football Field, 6 p.m.

Sept. 5, Bozeman-Valley West, Julius Caesar, Valley West Subdivision- 6 p.m.

Sept. 6, Townsend, Julius Caesar, Heritage Fun Park, 6 p.m.

Sept. 7, Chico Hot Springs, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Front Lawn Chico, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8, Anaconda, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Washoe Park, 6 p.m.

Sept. 9, Deer Lodge, Julius Caesar, Old Montana Prison Yard, 6 p.m.

Sept. 10, Butte, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mural Park, 6 p.m.

Sept. 11, White Sulphur Springs, Julius Caesar, White Sulphur Springs School Lawn, 6 p.m.

Sept. 12, Bozeman-MSU- Family and Graduate Housing-, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Grant Chamberlain Park, 1 p.m.