CST, Chicago Park District & Boeing Launch ‘CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS’

CST, Chicago Park District & Boeing Launch 'CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS' 1 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.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 ParkCentral Region parks include: Dvorak Park,Douglas ParkAustin Town HallGarfield Park ConservatoryHumboldt Park, andGateway Park at Navy PierNorth Region parks include Frank J. Wilson Park andWelles Park.

  1. Tuley Park
    Monday, July 30, 3:30 p.m.
  2. Dvorak Park
    Tuesday, July 31, 4 p.m.
  3. Austin Town Hall Park
    Wednesday, Aug. 1, 3:30 p.m.
  4. Humboldt Park
    Friday, Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. and
    Saturday, Aug. 4, 4 p.m.
  5. Douglas Park
    Sunday, Aug. 5, 4 p.m.
  6. Gateway Park at Navy Pier
    Monday, Aug. 6, Tuesday, Aug. 7 and
    Wednesday, Aug. 8, 6:30 p.m.
  7.  Welles Park
    Friday, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m. and
    Saturday Aug. 10, 4 p.m.
  8. Garfield Park Conservatory
    Sunday, Aug. 12, 3 p.m.
  9. Ridge Park
    Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m.
  10. Frank J. Wilson Park
    Friday, Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m. and
    Saturday–Sunday August 1–19, 4 p.m.

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 BaumgartnerTiffany Yvonne CoxMax GanetJosé Antonio García, Eric LeonardKate LoContiRobert Joseph Miller, Matthew SherbachMick 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 BankMadison Dearborn PartnersSara 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.”