Flatwater Shakespeare's Blog News

Friday, June 30, 2017

Last Weekend for *Merry Wives of Windsor*!



There are two chances left to see The Merry Wives of Windsor!

Saturday, July 1st - 7 PM - Homestead National Monument of America -
8523 West State Highway 4, Beatrice, NE
Sunday, July 2nd - 7PM - The Railyard - Canopy Street in Lincoln's Haymarket


This weekend wraps up our 2017 summer tour! Will Shallow ever let Falstaff off the hook over the whole "ill-killed" venison thing? Who's really hiding in Dr. Caius' closet? Will Frances Ford ever truly "wash" himself "of the buck?" Join us and find out for yourself! We'll see you there!

Make sure to come early to enjoy music from the amazing Orion Walsh!


Can we have a big cyber round of applause for Ameritas, Union Bank & Trust, and Nelnet for supporting this tour? Shakespeare is for everyone, and these Silver Season sponsors are helping FSC to make it so!



Did you know that homesteader children often learned and recited Shakespeare as part of their daily lessons? Here's a photo from McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader. We found this on the shelves at the gift shop at Homestead National Monument of America! Children reciting from Henry V? We love it! It gets us excited for our upcoming education and outreach initiative, which introduces Shakespeare's poetry to children as young as 5 years old! Stay tuned for more about that, coming soon.Find our more at www.flatwatershakespearecompany.org.




Photo Credits: John Nollendorfs and Becky Boesen. 

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions about Our 2017 *Merry Wives* Tour


Flatwater FREE Shakespeare

Summer Tour 2017–The Merry Wives of Windsor

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 402-601-8529. 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. This is also true if you want to enjoy Ozark Hutch and Orion Walsh in our musical pre-show!


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.


When Do Shows Start and How Long Do They Run?

Performances begin at 7:00pm, including the Sunday performances. The one exception is Pioneers Park Nature Center show June 24th, at the restored schoolhouse, which starts at 2 pm. Performances run just under 2 1/2 hours, plus intermission.


Is the Show “Family Friendly?”

The Merry Wives of Windsor has some mild innuendo. The plot also centers on John Falstaff's scheme to seduce two married women. But Alice Ford and Meg Page, the Merry Wives of the title, are determined to teach Falstaff a lesson. Or two. Or three. The informal park setting is perfect for families to have a taste of the Bard’s wonderful characters, exciting action, and brilliant language. 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 the performances at the Lincoln Community Foundation Garden, Pioneers Park Nature Center, Homestead National Monument, and The Railyard, 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 Lincoln Community Foundation Garden, Pioneers Park, the Homestead National Monument, and The Railyard are handicapped accessible. 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 402-601-8529. We will do our best to accommodate you.


Are Restroom Facilities Available?

Yes! All locations will have either restrooms or port-a-potties.


Do I Need to Bring My Own Chair or Blanket?

Chairs will be provided at the Lincoln Community Foundation Garden (June 30). Audience members are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for the performances at all other locations.


May I Bring Food and Beverages?

For most shows, yes! Audience members are welcome to bring in snacks, even a picnic supper, for you and your family. The one exception is The Railyard, but several vendors there will be open for business. In all cases, we ask that 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. At the performance at James Arthur Vineyards on June 23, 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. At the parks, Flatwater Shakespeare will have bottled water available for a $1 donation. At most locations, except for Homestead National Monument and The Railyard: FREE ICE CREAM during intermission! Ivanna Cone is again creating a new ice cream flavor exclusively for our summer touring production.




Photo: Ian McKercher as Simple and Juanita Pat Rice as Mistress Quickly in Flatwater Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Becky Boesen. Photo Credit: jenny gegg photography


Monday, June 12, 2017

Audiences Respond to *The Merry Wives of Windsor*



As we bid farewell (for now) to The Swan Theatre at Wyuka Stables and the first weekend of The Merry Wives of Windsor, here are reactions given to us by audience members in survey comments and Facebook posts:

This is the hardest I've laughed at a theatre production in a long time! I'll be coming to more Flatwater shows! 10/10 A+ Really enjoyed this performance -- excellent talent.

My first Flatwater Shakespeare Company show, but it won't be my last! Lots of fun, great setting!

Actors are great!!

If you're looking for a fun way to see Shakespeare, I'd strongly recommend this. It's hilarious, adorable, and unexpected. It's like no Shakespeare you've seen before.

I underestimated the skill and hilarity I would see, and I expect to be seeing more.

I loved the show!! The setting was perfect for this interpretation, and the production is extremely well-acted! Loads of fun and laughs! Cheers to everyone involved!

It was a great show!! I'm glad I went!!

Phenomenal job tonight! Everyone did such a great job and I enjoyed the show immensely!

Thank you for the laughs. Keep up the great work!

These two women [Allison Baird and Meganne Horrocks Storm] were brilliant as Mistresses Page and Ford. Their energy and interactions were a highlight of an all around wonderful production.

The cast is superb and the artistic direction outstanding and creative. I love the venue at Wyuka but look forward to seeing it again at Pioneers Park.

We are enjoying it very much. Acting is very good and easy to see and hear. Lots of action!

Very nice production! Very enjoyable! Great cast! Musicians were great!


Great show! I haven't laughed this much in a long time!


The Merry Wives of Windsor now begins its summer tour of parks and other outdoor venues in Lincoln and southeastern Nebraska. Performances are presented FREE OF CHARGE -- although donations will be gladly accepted. Bring blankets or lawn chairs (and bug spray) and arrive early for our musical pre-show with Orion Walsh and Ozark Hutch. And at Intermission, FREE ice cream from Ivanna Cone! Showtime is 7 pm, except June 24 at 2. 

Thurs., June 15 Henry Park, S. 44th and Prescott

Fri., June 16 Cooper Park, S. 6th and D

Sat., June 17 Holmes Park, Holmes North Shore Road and Normal Boulevard

Sun., June 18 Trago Park, N. 22nd and U

Wed. June 21 Lincoln Community Foundation Garden, Centennial Mall and N

Thurs., June 22 Bethany Park, N. 65th and Vine

Fri., June 23 James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W. Raymond Road

Sat., June 24 Pioneers Park Nature Center, 3201 S. Coddington (2 p.m.)

Sun., June 25 Havelock Park, N. 64th and Ballard

Sat., July 1 Homestead National Monument, 8523 W. State Highway 4, Beatrice

Sun., July 2 The Railyard, Canopy Street between Q and P Streets


Photo Credit: Chris Maly