The hills are alive with the sound of iambic pentameter.
It is Shakespeare in the park season, which means Brooklyn’s public gardens are lousy with actors murdering their family members, falling in love with the wrong people, and betraying each other left and right. Here is a run-down of all the shows coming to a field near you this week.
‘The Taming of the Shrew’
Random Access Theatre’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew” at Brooklyn Bridge Park will put a retro, 1950s twist on the controversial comedy of disguise and domestication. The show is timed to take place as the sun sets over the city.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Granite Prospect (Old Fulton Street at Furman Street in Dumbo, www.brooklynbridgepark.org). July 18–20 at 7 pm. Free.
‘Othello’
Gravesend theater school Act-Out! Productions will feature a combination of new students and professional actors in its production of “The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice.” The classic tale of love and betrayal will be at the Narrows Botanical Garden for four shows.
Narrows Botanical Garden (Shore Road between 69th and 72nd streets in Bay Ridge). July 19, 20, and 26 at 7 pm, July 27 at 2 pm. $10 suggested donation.
‘Much Ado About Nothing’
Smith Street Stage takes to Carroll Park for a modern-day take on “Much Ado About Nothing,” arguably the best comedy in Shakespeare’s ouvre. The production promises a live rock band, original music, and choreography by a Radio City Rockette.
Carroll Park (Carroll Street between Court and Smith streets, www.smithstreetstage.org). July 23 and 24, and Wednesdays through Sundays July 25–August 10 at 7 pm. Free.
‘Romeo and Juliet’
Not so much Shakespeare in the park as Shakespeare in the parking lot, South Brooklyn Shakespeare’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” will take place outside on Fifth and Seventh Avenues during Park Slope’s Summer Strolls events. Click to read our full story on the show.
“Romeo and Juliet” (Fifth Avenue between 17th and 18th streets in Park Slope, www.southbrooklynshakespeare.com), July 25 at 7:30 pm; (Seventh Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets in Park Slope) July 26 at 2:30 pm; and (Fifth Avenue at Dean Street in Park Slope) August 15 at 7:30 pm. Free.
