Foothills Park and Recreation District is jumping on the Bard-wagon.
The district’s arts program will put on its first-ever Shakespeare in the Park production at
Clement Park. The comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed by a cast of about 14. Some actors play multiple roles.
“It gives us a really great opportunity to reach a community of people who normally wouldn’t see Shakespeare or those who are big fans,” said Regina Smith, head of the production and arts supervisor for Foothills.
The cast is all volunteers and many spent several hours building the set. Amalie Millhone, who is the assistant director and is also playing Puck, lauded everyone who has helped and expects four good performances.
“I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard for anything in my life,” Millhone said. “I hope the community enjoys it and there’s a good turnout. I’m praying for good weather.”
The play runs about 90 minutes and will be held rain or shine. Director Rebecca Salomonsson said there are other challenges that include distractions from nearby activities, but she hopes the cast will keep the audience’s attention.
The amphitheater can serve about 10,000 patrons and people can bring their own food and drinks to the performance. Admission is free. Alcohol is allowed, but the park only permits 3.2 beer in cans. There will also be food trucks on hand.
Foothills Park and Recreation first started putting on theatrical productions in the fall of 2013. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the third play of its series. All plays have been directed by Salomonsson, who said she’s very excited about this one.
“Shakespeare is my passion, and I’m very much excited to bring it to people who may not want to go into Denver to see it,” she said.
Smith said they have auditions for roles, but the group is not at the point where it can pay the performers. She also said the plan is to have Shakespeare in Clement Park annually.
“There’s lots of talent out there,” Smith said.
Foothills’ first production was a series of one-act plays. The second was an original production written by Salomonsson inspired by Shakespeare. She said both were well-attended and she is hoping for the same this time around.
She added: “I think there’s some buzz around us in the neighborhood.”
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joe_vacc
“a midsummer night’s dream”
Where: Grant Family Amphitheater, Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave., Columbine
When: 7 p.m. July 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8
Admission: Free
Details: ifoothills.org
