Add Some 60's to Your Shakespeare

I love Bard on the Beach. Take a summer evening, add a live performance and place it in lovely ocean-front Vanier Park… doesn’t get much better than that in Vancouver.

All you Shakespeare skeptics, nay-sayers or those curious: if ever there was an ideal time to check out Bard on the Beach, it would be now: seeing “The Merry Wives of Windsor” which is set in Windsor, Ontario in the 1960’s.

I’m not a serious Shakespeare fan, but a lover of all live performances in general.  I stick with the comedies mainly, as I find them, with all their slapstick, dash, and high spirited hi-jinx, to be easier to understand.

In previous years I’ve truly enjoyed a Midsummer Night’s Dream and A Comedy of Errors…but this year’s offering of The Merry Wives of Windsor stands out as one of the very most enjoyable.

The actors are brilliant, and funny and bring Shakespeare’s words to life so well.  The set is fun and engaging, but what really stands out is the weaving in of music and song.  I’m sure some of the appeal for me was that it is recognizable music, from my 1960’s life.  I could relate!

Smiling and giggling, frequently turning to look over at my big Sis (it’s our birthday tradition to go together), I was delighted and entertained. Completely.

Go. Try something new. Step out of the box and into the 60’s with Shakespeare. I guarantee you’ll love every minute of it.

Merry Wives, directed by Johanna Wright, runs now till September 24th on the BMO Mainstage.