CST, Chicago Park District & Boeing Launch ‘CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS’
For the first time in Chicago history, all Chicagoans will have the opportunity to experience a live, professional theater performance, free of charge, as Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), Chicago Park District and The Boeing Company, partner to launch Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks.
Beginning at South Shore Cultural Center on Sunday, July 29 and continuing throughAug. 19, Chicagoans will enjoy free performances of The Taming of the Shrew through each of the Park District regions. Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy about the battle between the sexes will feature professional actors in beautiful costumes on a traveling stage, underscored with original rock-inspired music, in this 75-minute, daylight production.
“Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks is a wonderful example of how arts initiatives can succeed in bringing communities together, enhancing the quality of life through public and private partnership throughout the city and into our neighborhoods,” said Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner, Michelle T. Boone. “Accessibility to the arts is something we heard from residents throughout the city at our many public meetings for the new 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. This new program is an important step in strengthening Chicago’s future as a leader in the world for arts and culture.”
In addition to South Shore Cultural Center, other South Region parks to be visited include: Ridge Park and Tuley Park. Central Region parks include: Dvorak Park,Douglas Park, Austin Town Hall, Garfield Park Conservatory, Humboldt Park, andGateway Park at Navy Pier. North Region parks include Frank J. Wilson Park andWelles Park.
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Adapted and staged by Jeff Award-winning director Rachel Rockwell, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks production of The Taming of the Shrew features Ericka Ratcliff, performing the role of strong-willed Katharina and Matt Mueller performing the role of Katharina’s sparring partner, Petruchio. The acting company also includes:Jeffrey Baumgartner, Tiffany Yvonne Cox, Max Ganet, José Antonio García, Eric Leonard, Kate LoConti, Robert Joseph Miller, Matthew Sherbach, Mick Weber andJarrod Zimmerman.
The new citywide arts initiative, the largest of its kind in the history of the Chicago Park District, is made possible by a grant from The Boeing Company, with additional support from BMO Harris Bank, Madison Dearborn Partners, Sara Lee Foundation, and theChicago Shakespeare Trust.
For more information on Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, visitwww.chicagoshakes.com/parks.
Leadership Heralds Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks | ||
Michelle T. Boone, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner “Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks is a wonderful example of how arts initiatives can succeed in bringing communities together, enhancing quality of life through public and private partnership throughout the city and into our neighborhoods. Accessibility to the arts is something we heard from residents throughout the city at our many public meetings for the new 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. This new program is an important step in strengthening Chicago’s future as a leader in the world for arts and culture.” |
Lianne Stein, Vice President of Global Corporate Citizenship for The Boeing Company “As a company dedicated to innovation and new ideas, Boeing is pleased to serve as presenting partner for Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. We applaud the program’s aim to activate and engage communities through quality artistic programming, free of charge, which will inspire residents with the works of the world’s leading playwright.” |
Michael P. Kelly, Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO “We are so pleased to welcome Chicago Shakespeare Theater to our parks. This partnership creates a unique opportunity to enhance cultural offerings at parks across the city and hopefully begin a tradition of bringing free theatrical performances to families citywide.” |