WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield residents and visitors will have two chances to catch Shakespeare under the summer sky.
Downtown Westfield Corporation will bring Shakespeare in the Park to Foundation Park on Wednesday, Aug. 5, and Thursday, Aug. 6.
Both performances of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew are scheduled for 7 p.m.
The event is hosted by Downtown Westfield Corporation, presented by the Westfield Public Arts Commission, supported by Spencer Savings Bank and produced by Acting Out Theatre Company.
According to the announcement, the outdoor production will turn Foundation Park into an open-air stage and offer an accessible way for audiences to experience one of Shakespeare's best-known comedies.
This year's production is described as a modern interpretation of The Taming of the Shrew.
According to the announcement, the show centers on Kate and Petruchio and blends Shakespeare's original language with a contemporary vision intended to appeal to both first-time viewers and longtime fans.
Acting Out Theatre Company, which was founded in Westfield, focuses on performances for audiences of all ages.
The event is also part of Downtown Westfield Corporation's summer lineup, which the organization said is designed to bring residents and visitors together through arts, culture and community while supporting local businesses.
"We're excited to partner once again with Acting Out Theatre Company to bring Shakespeare in the Park back to Downtown Westfield," said Daniel Taugher, executive director of Downtown Westfield Corporation. "Experiences like this help establish the district as a destination for arts, culture, and community, with Foundation Park emerging as one of its signature gathering places. There's something magical about gathering outdoors on a summer evening to enjoy live theater, and we're proud to create experiences that bring people together while supporting our local businesses."
John Isgro, producer of Acting Out, said, "One of our favorite things about bringing Shakespeare in the Park to Downtown Westfield is seeing our community come together, and Shakespeare in the Park is the perfect reason to do just that. This year's The Taming of the Shrew brings a fresh, modern perspective to a classic story, making it fun, relatable, and accessible for today's audiences. Whether you're a lifelong Shakespeare fan or experiencing it for the first time, we hope you'll grab a blanket, bring your friends and family, and join us for a memorable summer evening in the heart of Downtown Westfield."
Tickets cost $25 per person and are available through Eventbrite. Children 4 and under will be admitted free.
Seating is general admission, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Chair rentals will also be available on site for $5 each while supplies last.
Lions Roar Brewing Co. will serve beverages at the event, and Vina will offer light bites for purchase before showtime.
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