Brooklyn is double, double, toil and trouble-ing down on “Macbeth!” Summer is here, and so is Shakespeare in the parks! This year, two theater companies in Kings County will take on the tragic tale of Scottish king Macbeth as part of their al fresca entertainment, while a third tackles the bloody history of Shakespeare’s “Richard III.” But it is not all serious this summer! Piper Theatre Productions will present a show with even more cross-dressing than “As You Like It” — the musical “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and the company will recount the tale of some other classic writers in its musical “The Brontës.” So bring a blanket to the park and get ready to get (classic) lit!
Summer of our discontent
The Smith Street Stage upholds its tradition of gender-neutral casting in its latest production “Richard III,” a tale of a tyrant who will do anything to attain the power he desires. In the outdoor show, coming to Carroll Park on June 7, female actors will take on the traditionally male roles of villainous Buckingham and the heroic Earl of Richmond.
“Richard III” at Carroll Park (237 Carroll St. between Smith and Court streets in Carroll Gardens, www.smith
Double trouble
This year the Piper Theatre will pipe up with two musical productions at the Old Stone House in Park Slope. First up is the fabulous “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” adapted from the gender-bending film filled with disco hits. Alternating with the drag queen travelogue will be “The Brontës,” a contemplative musical about the three literary sisters.
“Priscilla Queen of the Desert” at the Old Stone House (336 Third St. between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park Slope, www.piper
“The Brontës” at the same location, July 9, 16, 23 at 8 pm. Free.
Shakespeare in the street
The theater troupe South Brooklyn Shakespeare will tell the tragic tale of the rise and fall of the corrupt King of Scotland in two locations this summer. First, the group will perform “Macbeth” in front of South bar in Park Slope — the sponsor and namesake of the company — followed by another production at the Old Stone House.
“Macbeth” at South (629 Fifth Ave. between 17th and 18th streets in Park Slope, www.south
“Macbeth” at the Old Stone House (336 Third St. between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park Slope). August 2–5 at 8 pm. Free.
Birnam Wood
comes to Brooklyn
Your final chance to catch the Scottish play this summer comes from the New York Classical Theatre, which brings its show to Brooklyn Bridge Park in August. This panoramic production of “Macbeth” offers no chances to rest — not only is there no intermission, but the action will range all over the park, sending the audience scrambling to catch up with the witches and Scottish armies.
“Macbeth” at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier One (enter at Furman Street and Old Fulton Street in Dumbo, www.newyo
