Shakespeare in the Parks returns

PLAINS – Shakespeare in the Parks will be returning to Sanders County in a couple of weeks with performances scheduled for both Plains and Trout Creek.

The traveling troupe of actors will be performing “The Taming of the Shrew” in Plains at the Sanders County Fairgrounds.

The performance in Plains is scheduled to take place on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.

In Trout Creek, the troupe will perform the play “Cyrano de Bergerac” on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.

The play will take place at the Trout Creek Park.

Kevin Asselin, artistic director of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will direct “The Taming of the Shrew” with a Wild West take on the 16th century play.

Si Osborne, a Chicago-based guest director will direct “Cyrano de Bergerac,” a play based in 17th century France, which the company hasn’t performed since 1992.

In its 43rd season Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is an outreach program of Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture.   

The company features 10 professional actors who tour Montana and neighboring states during the summer to bring live theatre to rural communities throughout the region.

The Plains performance is sponsored by the Plains Woman’s Club, but supported and made possible by businesses and member’s of the Plains-Paradise community.

“It is a joint effort,” Debbie Heckman of the PWC, said.

According to Heckman the Plains performance will take place outdoors on the lawn of the fairgrounds.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for sitting.  

Heckman added the PWC has also pitched in by providing the actor’s at this year’s play with lunch and dinner, with some members of the club providing the performance’s actors with a place to stay.

“This year some of the woman’s club will provide housing for the actors,” Heckman said.

The performance is free and open to the public and audience members are encouraged to arrive early on the evening of the performance.