What is it about the summer and Shakespeare? Ibsen doesn’t get all of winter for productions of his dreary shows. And why doesn’t Arthur Miller get that ultimate season of death, the fall?
Who knows. Bottom line, everyone in tight pants is in a Shakespeare show this summer. Perhaps that’s just as we like it for our midsummer night’s dreams. Here’s where you can brush up on your Shakespeare this summer:
‘As You Like It’
This play features as many love triangles as a soap opera. It also started phrase “too much of a good thing, which Prospect Park officials should have considered before they decided to host this show.
“As You Like It” at Wollman Rink in Prospect Park [enter at the Ocean Avenue entrance, (718) 287-6215], Thursdays July 22 to Aug. 12, 5 pm.
‘Taming of the Shrew’
Do we really need more teens doing a rendition of this battle of the sexes comedy? Wasn’t that movie “10 Things I Hate About You” bad enough?
“The Taming of the Shrew” at the Old Stone House [336 Third St. between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park Slope, (718) 768-3195], July 29-30. For info, visit www.theoldstonehouse.org.
‘Hamlet’
This theatre troupe performed King Lear last year, but returns this summer with Sigmund Freud’s favorite Shakespeare play. Fratricide, corruption, sex, suicidal thoughts and the supernatural round out in the issues, but those always sound less scandalous when articulated in iambic pentameter.
“Hamlet” at The Gallery Players [199 14th St., between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park Slope, (718) 832-0617], July 22–Aug. 1. For info, visit www.galleryplayers.com.
