Sunday, June 12, 2011

Shakespeare


St. Louis is lucky enough to have Shakespeare for free in Forest Pak every year. To make it more easily understood, they sometimes change the play’s setting.

Much Ado About Nothing was set in the American Old West, The Merry Wives of Windsor was set in the 20s, and this year, The Taming of the Shrew was set in the 50s.

I think it actually helps.

Valerie, my kids and I have seen all but the first couple of years. My kids have never had a problem understanding them, with the exception of all the innuendo and double entendre.

I had seen a local production of “Shrew” several years ago and don’t remember the oral sex and homo- sexual references, but every time I see a Shakespeare play I find something new.

I couldn’t help but think about all the “kiss me Kate” scenes originally being performed by an all male cast. I don’t think it freaked anyone out back then.

Not to mention Shakespeare’s most passionate sonnets were written to a man.

One year there was a sudden torrential downpour that’s become the stuff of legend. We cowered under a tree with 20 other people hoping lightning wouldn’t hit. Chloe cried as she shivered. I wished I could have. We had no clothing or umbrellas to protect us. I thought The Tempest would have been a more appropriate play that year.

Valerie noticed our buddy Dave Black was one of the musicians this year. He must have been pre-recorded. There was no band.

After the play it was announced from the stage there would be a party at the top of the hill with live music. I thought maybe Dave would be there.

He wasn’t, but to my surprise, our drummer, Benet was. He had to cancel rehearsals this weekend for paying gigs. Man is he spread thin! Talk about “the hardest working man in show business”.

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