Nov 15 2008
Performance — Romeo and Juliet
The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is a slightly underappreciated gem. They do free outdoor theater in the summer, and ever since they moved their stage from Golden Gate Park to the more remote, and windier, Presidio, they haven’t drawn the crowds that other free events often do. It’s a shame, because they put on wonderful productions filled with high-spirited acting and wildly imaginative staging, sets, and costumes.
Now they are putting on a short indoor production of Romeo and Juliet and taking it around the Bay Area. There will be two more shows in San Francisco, one at the West Portal Library, and one next door to the Marina Library.
WHEN AND WHERE:
- Wednesday evening, Nov. 19, 6:30 performance, 7:30 post-show Q & A with the cast, at the West Portal Library, 190 Lenox Way
- Monday afternoon, Dec. 1, 3:30 performance, 4:30 post-show Q & A, at the Moscone Recreation Center, located next door to the Marina Library at 1800 Chestnut Street (near Buchanan)
WHAT: Production of Romeo and Juliet and discussion with cast.
TOTALLY FREE? At its summer shows, the Shakespeare Festival does ask for voluntary donations. Not sure if that will be the case at these library-sponsored events.
COMFORT LEVEL: The WPA-style West Portal Branch had 4.6 million dollars worth of renovations done less than two years ago. I haven’t seen it since the work was done, but I imagine it looks very nice. (I’ve never been to the Moscone Recreation Center, so can’t comment on that.)
Community events at the branches are generally intimate, relaxed, and friendly. If you come a couple of minutes early, you can usually snag a good seat in the front.
Thanks for the heads up on the 19th performance. I had no idea. I am supposed to be in North Beach that evening but will definitely try and make the West Portal show. Thanks again.
You’re welcome! I’m glad this blog is useful. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to make the performance tonight — if you do go, let me know if you liked it!