Flatwater Shakespeare's Blog News

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Final Weekend for *The Taming of the Shrew*



Four more chances to see Flatwater Free Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the show's "almost non-stop action with plenty of uninhibited capering and ribald comedy" (Lincoln Journal Star review). 

Bring lawn chairs and insect repellent -- and please consider bringing a donation ($10 suggested per person) to help support the tour. Ivanna Cone has created a new flavor, The Taming of Cashew, for the free ice cream provided at intermission. Show time is 7 pm.

Thursday's performance is at the Lincoln Community Foundation Garden, 215 Centennial Mall South (15th and N Streets). The Garden is located to the west of the LCF building, adjacent to the Korn Popper. Chairs are available at this location.

Friday's show will be at First Plymouth Church (2000 D Street), in the courtyard.

On Saturday, we will be at Woods Park, in the area near L Street and Rogers Memorial Drive.

For Sunday night, the last performance of the run, we will be at James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W. Raymond Road in Raymond, approximately 10 miles north of Lincoln. JAV is offering concessions during the show, including meat and cheese baskets that can be pre-ordered. Contact the Vineyards at 402-783-5255 or javwines@windstream.net. For further information and directions, visit http://www.jamesarthurvineyards.com/#11/40.9389/-96.7473.


Friday, June 24, 2016

The Home Stretch for *The Taming of the Shrew*


Only six more shows left!  Performances at 7 pm. Bring lawn chairs (and bug spray) and, if you wish, the suggested $10 donation. 

Saturday, June 25: Bethany Park, N. 65th & Vine

Sunday, June 26: Trago Park, N. 22nd & U Streets

Thursday, June 30: Lincoln Community Foundation Garden, 15th & N Streets

Friday, July 1: First Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street

Saturday, July 2: Woods Park, S. 33rd & J Streets

Sunday, July 3: James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W. Raymond Rd., Raymond, NE.


An audience member from last night told us this: "Fantastic performance tonight. Witty, well choreographed, tremendously good acting." See for yourself! 

Also: free Ivanna Cone ice cream at intermission -- the flavor created for this show is Taming of Cashew!

Monday, June 20, 2016

A (Scheduled) Break from the 2016 Tour




The tour of Flatwater Free Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew is taking a scheduled break for a few days. Next stop is Henry Park (S. 44th and Prescott) on Thursday. The weekend's run continues with Cooper Park (S. 6th and D) on Friday, Bethany Park (65th and Vine) on Saturday, and Trago Park (N. 22nd and U) on Sunday. 

Our team's creativity and energy know no bounds: here's a look behind the scenes, by Abbie Austin (Bianca), featuring Tom Crew, who plays our Pedant and percussion for Taming and who is leading our Youth Production of the play (to be staged next month) and who will direct The Merchant of Venice this fall!

Friday, June 17, 2016

Show Cancellation for Friday June 17

TONIGHT'S SHOW IS CANCELLED

Due to an actor illness, tonight's show (Friday, June 17) at Holmes Park is cancelled. 


We will resume the tour as scheduled tomorrow, Saturday June 18, with the performance at Belmont Park (near 14th and Judson street, behind Belmont Elementary) and Sunday, June 19, with the performance at Havelock Park at 64th & Ballard. 

The show will continue with performances the next two weekends, as well.

Keepst ye cool, good citizens!
 

Tuesday, June 07, 2016

FAQs for Flatwater FREE Shakespeare 2016



Flatwater FREE Shakespeare

Summer Tour 2016–The Taming of the Shrew





Got questions? We have answers.





What Is Your Inclement Weather Policy?
It is our desire to complete every performance, and we will make every effort to start, continue, and finish each show despite light rainfall or breezy conditions.

In the event of heavy rains or winds, however, we may delay the start of the show, or the completion of the show, in the hope that the weather will clear. Announcements will be made informing audience members of "holds." We may also pause to take precautions to ensure the safety and health of the performers and crew.

If severe storms are likely or imminent, shows may be canceled beforehand. To find out if a show is canceled prior to showtime, please check our Facebook page or call our Information Line at 402-473-2897. A recorded message will advise you accordingly.



Do I Need a Reservation?

No reservations are needed. However, audience members are strongly encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the performance time in order to have good seats or places. This is particularly true if you plan on using a blanket at one of the park locations, as space is limited.



Is There a Cost to Attend?

No! Flatwater Shakespeare Company offers the summer touring production FREE of charge. A $10 donation is suggested, but everyone is welcome regardless of whether or not you can make a contribution.



Good Will donations in all amounts are greatly appreciated as we continue our tradition of producing Good Will Shakespeare productions.



How Long is the Show?

Performances begin at 7:00pm, including the Sunday performances. The show runs approximately 2 hours, including intermission.



Is the Show “Family Friendly?”

This summer our production, The Taming of the Shrew, is a bawdy, battle-of-the-sexes comedy based in Italian Commedia dell'Arte. The informal park setting is perfect for families to have a taste of the Bard’s wonderful characters, exciting action, and brilliant language. This production is not as "G –Rated" as many of our past performances have been, but should be appropriate for most families. Previous audiences have included everyone from babies to people in their 80s, people of wide-ranging cultural and ethnic backgrounds, people with physical disabilities, and even some pets. 



You Mean Pets Are Allowed?

Except for performances at The Swan at Wyuka Stables and the Lincoln Community Foundation Garden, furry family members are welcome to attend a performance with you! We request that dogs be kept on a leash. Pet owners must clean up after their dogs.



Are the Locations Accessible?

The performances held at The Swan at Wyuka Stables and the Lincoln Community Foundation are handicapped accessible. The park locations should be accessible for several mobility considerations; however, there may be uneven ground in some areas and limited parking options.



If you have a specific need, please contact Flatwater Shakespeare Company at 402-473-2897. We will do our best to accommodate you.



Are Restrooms Available?

Yes! The Swan at Wyuka Stables and many park locations have restroom facilities. Other locations will have port-a-potties.



Do I Need to Bring My Own Chair or Blanket?

Chairs are provided at the performances held at The Swan (June 10-12) and the Lincoln Community Foundation Garden (June 30). Audience members are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for the performances at the park locations, First Plymouth Church, and James Arthur Vineyards.



May I Bring Food and Beverages?

Yes! Audience members are welcome to bring in snacks, even a picnic supper, for you and your family. We merely ask that all trash items are disposed of after the show so that we leave the performance locations in good condition.



Please note that alcoholic beverages cannot be brought to any of the public locations. For the performances at The Swan at Wyuka Stables, Flatwater Shakespeare will be selling limited concessions, including non-alcoholic beverages. At the performance at James Arthur Vineyards on July 3, wine will be available for purchase, as well as soft drinks and water. Information about pre-ordering food baskets for the JAV performance will be posted at www.jamesarthurvineyards.com – or you can call 402-783-5255.



Will Other Concessions Be Available?

Yes, depending on location. Limited concessions are available at The Swan. At the park locations, Flatwater Shakespeare has bottled water available for a $1 donation. But at all locations: FREE ICE CREAM! Ivanna Cone is again creating a new ice cream flavor exclusively for our summer touring production.