Carolyn DiPaolo
File this under the post-COVID category of not taking live performances for granted: an invitation to a Shakespeare play under the stars.
What’s happening: The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival launched its 34th season of Shakespeare by the Sea last week with “King Lear.”
- The performance is free with a $5 suggested donation.
Five things to know:
- Although “Lear” is one of Shakespeare’s bleakest tragedies, Director Trent Stephens’ production is accessible and full of life.
- Not a Shakespeare expert? Get familiar with the sweeping plot before you go. Here’s a synopsis.
- In a turnabout of the tradition of men portraying women on stage that dates to ancient Greece, the king is played by actress Amy Simms.
- Shakespeare by the Sea is a community-supported production, but the players and crew are professional, experienced and compensated, Managing Producer Elizabeth Dashiell said.
- It’s a grass-seating amphitheater situation. Go all in with a gourmet picnic or check out the food truck. For comfort, Stephens and Dashiell recommend the 9-by-12 canvas drop cloth from Harbor Freight. (Carolyn will be getting one.) Be smart: Bring bug spray.
Of note: The nonprofit festival’s largest single source of money is the state, at $25,000. That will pause this year after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in spending on arts and culture.
- Despite that, “We will never have tickets at the door,” Stephens said.
Our favorite details: Stephens and his wife Lisa have a daughter named Ophelia, and Dashiell has a daughter named Regan.
If you go: Performances are Thursday through Sunday at Carlin Park in Jupiter. The production moves to Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach for four more shows July 25 to 28. For all performances, gates open at 6:30 pm and the play starts at 8.
I am a co-founder, writer and editor for Stet News. I am also a former senior editor at The Palm Beach Post. For 20 years, I oversaw some of the most consequential stories published by the paper, including the “Corruption County” reporting project that led to multiple arrests of elected officials. I am a member of the Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2013. I live in West Palm Beach with my husband, Bill DiPaolo.
