August 05, 2012

This evening at Ballard Park in Westport on the shore of Lake Champlain, I am cooling off on the sloping hill watching in awe as kids roll down on the other side of the trees while the teenage Shakespearean troupe prepares for the show.

Tonight a comedy is planned by directors Lindsay Pontius and Scott Gibbs, "As You Like It." According to announcer, Colin Wells, this is the 14th summer that the two directors have shared themselves with teens, Shakespeare, and audiences like this one--sitting in lounge chairs or sprawling on blankets.

This year the troupe consists of eight males and six females.

Lindsay always keeps audiences on their toes and before the actors begin she already has us turning our chairs and attention to a different direction and gives us notice that at some point during the play we will want to shift again to see better into the forest of Arden. Afterall, all the park's a stage and the audience is enveloped into the action.

The kids are bursting with energy as the scene is set. They project well despite the outdoor environment and they have been well trained in Shakespearean dialogue and colloquialisms.

The setting and the evening are ideal for outdoor family entertainment. I look to the lake and see sailboats bouncing close to shore and folks heading down to the dock for a swim, a launch, or a bite to eat. Quite a backdrop! When we reposition, we see the trees in the park which now do seem to take on aspects of the forest where the action is taking place.

It is a captivating performance and the audience appreciates the work of both the students and their directors.

This production is an umbrella apprentice program of The Depot Theatre in Westport. Click through to The Depot web site to find out more about the younger apprentice program and the upcoming performances at The Depot Theatre this summer.

There's more Shakespeare comedy in store at Ballard Park on September 2 at 2 PM when American Studio Theater presents, "A Comedy of Errors," directed by Rebecca Lincoln.

For more arts and events this summer make sure to click through to the Lake Placid events page.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.

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