Shakespeare in the Parks performs in Charlo and Polson
Lake County Leader | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
All the world is a stage – including Palmer Park in Charlo and the Polson Fairgrounds – when Montana Shakespeare in the Park rolls through the Mission Valley. The traveling troupe stages "As You Like It" at 5 p.m. Aug. 24, at the park on Hwy. 212, and "Henry V" at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at the fairgrounds' amphitheatre in Polson. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) brings two free performances to the Mission Valley as part of its 53rd season. All ages are welcome to attend and enjoy these free performances.
“As You Like It,” 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Palmer Park on Hwy. 212 near Charlo, speaks to the joy and complexity of love, identity, and the transformative power of nature. This romantic comedy follows the story of Rosalind, one of Shakespeare’s most complex female characters, as she ventures into the Forest of Arden alongside a colorful cast of characters to explore questions of love and transformation.
“I love the primal idea of going back to nature to find one’s deepest desires,” says director Eva Breneman. “I especially think the citizens of the Mountain West will understand that impulse.”
Dinner, prepared by Allentown Restaurant, will be available prior to the Charlo performance.
“Henry V” comes to the Polson Fairgrounds amphitheatre at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25.
“These ideas of loyalty, patriotism, and service are rooted in the Montana way of life,” says director Kevin Asselin. “It’s the human component within this play that I want to bring out most for our audiences.”
As with many of MSIP’s productions, audiences will experience complex and exciting fight scenes as the play culminates in the famous Battle of Agincourt.
Gates are open to the Polson performance from 4-9 p.m., with music by the Tim Finley Band before the show, and food, drinks and concessions available.
This summer, the company performs in 64 communities across five states including Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, and Washington, delivering Shakespeare to more than 20,000 people.
For more information and the full tour schedule, visit ShakespeareInTheParks.org.