Shakespeare to Invade Ankeny This Weekend

Ankeny is in for a bit of the Bard this weekend.

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience will bring its fun and family-friendly neighborhood traveling show, "Mark TWAINment Tonite!," to the band shell stage at Wagner Park on Saturday, July 30.  

 The play, written by Iowa playwright Lorenzo Sandoval and set in 1856, reproduces humorous scenes from Twain’s classics including "Huckleberry Finn", "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court", "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", "The Jumping Frog of Calavaras County" and more.

Audiences will find a contemporary appeal as well, catching a glimpse into the humor Twain used to deal with his real-life financial struggles.

The play features a full cast of professional actors portraying Twain’s wife, daughters and best friend, as well as costumes, professional sound and lights and music from well-known Iowa folk musician Rob Lumbard.

Those who attend are encouraged to pack a picnic basket and lawn chairs. The Wagner Park grounds will open at 7 p.m. for picnics and  the show will begin at 8.

The show is free, although a free-will donation will be taken to support the theatre company. Attendees who purchase a specially marked program for $1  can use their programs for the rest of the weekend at the main Shakesperience Fest in Des Moines to gain free admittance to front-section VIP seating.

For more information on the Iowa Shakespeare Experience and Shakesperience Fest, visit www.iowashakespeare.org.