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Community members, or, in this setting, countrymen and countrywomen, carried in chairs, blankets, coolers full of food and (keep this to a whisper) bottles of wine for a night of merriment as Shakespeare by the Sea presented “The Merry Wives of Windsor” last Thursday night at Garfield Park in South Pasadena.
About 500 theater-goers filled the park’s landscape to take in the rollicking romantic comedy about a man courting two women at the same time.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, how much money you have, your education level, you can come out to a park such as this with friends and enjoy a wonderful, relaxing evening,” said the show’s director Cylan Brown, when asked why Shakespeare by the Sea performances are so popular.
He said audiences are the melting pot of Americana.
“If we have done our job well, then something will resonate with you,” he added. “There’s always something that speaks to the audience.”
Shakespeare by the Sea serves the entire South Bay, LA, and parts of Orange and Ventura Counties, traveling to more than 20 communities during the summer months.
About two weeks ago, “A Winter’s Tale” was performed in South Pasadena by Shakespeare by the Sea cast members who showcased the story of Leontes, a king who banished his family wrongfully, and taught the meaning of forgiveness through the plan of wise, loyal woman.
Before each performance guests are asked to donate funds or purchase everything from sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, coffee cups and more to defray the cost of the production.
“Any amount of money you are able to provide makes it that much easier for us to come back next year,” encouraged Brown. “Dig down deep into your pockets and help us if you can. We love this location, returning to South Pasadena.”
For more information about Shakespeare by the Sea, call (310) 217-7596.
