Shakespeare returns to Island Park July 20

Two sets of twins, mistaken identities and comical situations are the focus of this summer’s Shakespeare in the Park performance in Island Park.

The Midsummer Theater Troupe will perform “The Comedy of Errors” at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 20, on the stage in Island Park.

“The Comedy of Errors” focuses on mix-ups aided by witty dialogue. The characters include two sets of twins, Antipholus of Ephesus and Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse. Dromio of Ephesus is the slave of Antipholus of Ephesus, and Dromio of Syracuse is the slave of Antipholus of Syracuse. Antipholus of Ephesus is unaware that he has a twin brother, Antipholus of Syracuse. And Dromio of Ephesus is unaware that he also has a twin brother, Dromio of Syracuse. Comical mix-ups occur when all the twins converge in Ephesus.

Admission to Shakespeare in the Park is free; a $5 donation is suggested. Free parking is available at the government center on First Street. It’s just a short walk across the covered bridge across the Fox River to Island Park.

Seating begins at 5 p.m. and is “Ravinia-style”; those attending should bring blankets and chairs as well as picnics. Patrons will have the opportunity to buy sandwiches, chips and homemade root beer from Stockholm's and Graham's will sell homemade ice cream bars with various toppings.

Patrons can stop by the Geneva Public Library table, pose for a picture with The Bard and pick up a free lip balm.

The evening will start with two dance pieces by State Street Dance Studio dancers, A Character dance from the ballet Don Quxiote and a jazz dance titled "Sparkling Diamonds" from Moulin Rouge, said Linda Cunningham, founder and artistic director of the dance studio.

Toni Hix, artistic director of Midsummer Theatre Troupe, drew her inspiration for the play from her trip to the Renaissance Fair last summer. “All characters will be dressed up as if they were going to the Fair,” she said.

As usual, the Midsummer Theatre Troupe will perform the play with flair and comedy. The performance is condensed to 90 minutes, and features slapstick humor and physical gags appropriate for all ages.

“ It will be very fun for the whole family, as always,” Hix said. “It will be a fast-paced show filled with bewildered characters who don't realize they are always talking to the wrong twin. The best thing about our troupe is that they can be unpredictable. Audience members will probably be forced to be involved in some way.”

The Midsummer Theatre Troupe is now in its 15th season as a mobile theater company that brings Shakespeare to as many people as possible. The troupe performs in several venues in Kane and DuPage counties each summer. Performers fill their cars with tents, set pieces, costume and a stellar sound system.

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission was formed in 2006. Its mission is to create diverse cultural experiences that engage the community by collaborating with the art community, government, business and education; make the arts accessible to the community and develop new cultural initiatives that encourage economic growth.

For more information, call (630) 938-4530 or visit www.genevarts.org.