Shakespeare on the Green comes alive at Elmwood Park

One of Omaha's most cultured events is back to kick off the summer with a few new surprises in store.Shakespeare on the Green has been a strong staple in the Midwest for 22 years. Several actors from Omaha and all over the country will perform two of the poet's most popular plays, "Much Ado About Nothing" and "King Lear" in Elmwood Park, located just south of 60th and Dodge streets.

Last year, the festival tried something new with the introduction of Towne Square and Greenshow.

"Starting an hour before each show, we offer the crowd some entertainment," said Nebraska Shakespeare Spokeswoman Nellie MacCallum. "This used to include jugglers and musicians entertaining the crowds, but this year, we have a string quartet, trumpet players from the UNO music department, a south Omaha mariachi band . just a beautiful variety of music."

In addition, MacCallum said that there would be several tents set up, ones for concessions and others that will aim at providing viewers with an "educational Shakes-perience."

"There are a few gazebos set up around the park that allows people to engage in a small group dialogue about his work," she said. "There is even something for the kids. They'll provide a Shakespeare puzzle and a sheet with Shakespeare's face on it for kids to color. There is even a place for trying on costumes."

For those who want to come earlier for a bite to eat before the play, the festival will introduce its first annual barbeque, which will offer chicken on a stick, shrimp on a stick and barbeque sandwiches for a reasonable price. The grilling begins at 5:30 p.m.

One thing that hasn't changed over the years is the knowledge and skill of the directors.

Two of UNO's theater professors returned to lend their abilities to these performances. Cindy Melby Phaneuf, artistic director and co-founder of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, directed "Much Ado About Nothing" while associate artistic director D. Scott Glasser directed "King Lear."

Even a handful of UNO students can be seen in these plays.

Senior Lauren Krupski auditioned for the festival in January and was cast in "Much Ado About Nothing."

"I play Ursula, one of Hero's waiting gentlewomen. I scheme with Hero to make Beatrice and Benedict realize how much they really love each other," Krupski said. "This is my first professional acting job where I am working with equity actors from New York and across the country. I've learned a lot from them and from the stage managers about the professional acting world and what I need to know once I graduate."

With just a couple weeks until opening night, MacCallum is ready to start off the summer with some Elizabethan classics.

"This year is going to be better than ever because the nature of the plays," MacCallum said. "We've only done 'Much Ado About Nothing' twice before and 'King Lear' once before. We try to bring culture here because it's accessible, it's free and it's outdoors. The mix is fabulous and we're all so excited."

Shakespeare on the Green will open June 19 and run through July 6. Performances of "Much Ado About Nothing" begin June 19 through July 22 as well as July 2 and July 5. "King Lear" will be played June 26 through June 29, with additional shows on July 3 and July 6. The plays begin at 8 p.m. with Towne Square starting festivities at 7 p.m. and informational seminars at 6:30 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, although donations are accepted.

For more information, call Nebraska Shakespeare at 280-2391 or visit nebraskashakespeare.com.