There is nothing like watching a charming Shakespearean production, on a summer night, in a courtyard. It is a triple whammy for me. The twinkle lights were a clue to some of the magic that we audience members were going to experience as we watched the debut of Loves' Labour's Lost by Post Five Theatre.
The story, if you are not familiar with it, is one of William Shakespeare's early comedies, believed to have been written in the mid-1590s for a performance at the Inns of Court before Queen Elizabeth. It follows the King of Navarre and his three companions as they attempt to foreswear the company of women for three years of study and fasting, and their subsequent infatuation with the Princess of Aquitaine and her ladies.
The cast:
Jim Vadala as Berowne
Jean-Luc Boucherot as Don Adriano de Arnado
Jessica Tidd as Rosaline
Will Steele as King Ferdinand
Danielle Frimer as Princess
Danielle Chaves as Jaquenetta
Hans Eleveld as Dumaine / Dull
Max Maller as Longaville / Holofernes
Ithica Tell - Boyet
Jordin Bradley - Katherine / Moth
Allison Rangel - Maria / Sir Nathaniel
Jeff Painter - Costard
Directed by Avial Shira
Some of the highlights for me (beyond those twinkle lights) were hearing the sweet voice of Danielle Chaves (as Jaquenetta) singing a forlorn song of romance; Jim Vadala's randy and clever presentation as Berowne (and he is a Philadelphian - that's where I was born, too); and Hans Eleveld as Dull pulling off a respectable bass beat during one magical musical number.
The production runs through August 3 (Thursday - Sunday) which includes pay-what-you-can Sundays for those who are a bit cost sensitive. General ticket cost is $15.00 which is quite reasonable for such a magical experience and Shakespeare, no less!
All the details (show times and advance tickets) can be found here. Make sure you bring a chair and blanket to sit of for maximum comfort.
