Shakespeare in the Park opened last night
Shakespeare in the Park's "Taming of the Shrew" opened last night at The Barnacle. A nice crowd showed up for the Shakespeare Miami production.
It's quite funny and uses modern, well almost modern, music for songs and lyrics. After the Shrew comes out and smacks everybody with a whip, the actors break out into Twited Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It," to laughs and applause from the audience.
It's not the same feel as previous years' productions in Peacock Park, but it has a more intimate feel, it's not as open, that's for sure, and you do get the feeling of history, being on Commodore Monroe's grounds. You feel the past surrounding you.
They will ask for donations as you enter, and you'll feel obliged to pay, so it's not really free Shakespeare in the Park and when they ask for money to repair one of the roofs for one of the buildings on the grounds, you might feel a bit put off. But it's worth it to see this great acting troup under the stars on hallowed ground, which has so much Coconut Grove history. It's just a shame that The Barnacle couldn't just donate the grounds without always having their fingers in the pot.
But again, for five bucks total, where are you going to be able to take the family to see a professional theatrical production?
"The Taming of the Shrew" will be performed again, tonight, January 16 at 7:30 pm and from 10 am to noon today, Story Hour for children ages 2 -10 and their families will be held, with costumed actors reading stories, leading sing-a-longs and other activities. Tiaras are optional. Then tomorrow, January 17, there are two performances, a matinee at 2:00 pm and a 7:30 evening show. The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway.
posted by Tom Falco at 8:00 AM
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22 Comments:
Congratulations to the actors.
After seeing the pictures from opening night, it looks like there was not much in the budget for set design.
Wasn't "Taming of the Shrew" made into a musical?
It was a great show, a few kinks you would expect for an opening night, but very enjoyable.
I think the donation request was not at all objectionable, it was made very clear that it was voluntary, I saw some people go in without paying, they were thanked with a smile for listening to the pitch and walked right in. I agree the show was well worth the $5, and it is a good cause, they are raising money which the state will match to replace an 80-odd year old roof.
They need to remove the word FREE from all their ads and website.
As far as I'm concerned, expressing a need isn't "off putting" or a "shame." Your overshadowing the production itself with oddly derisive commentary on the venue, however, is. IMHO, of course.
I highly recommend Shakespeare in the Park's production of Taming of the Shrew, donation or no.
If the park ranger lady didn't get up on the stage and announce they needed money for the roof I would agree with you Courtney. Grape is right. Tacky move. If we didn't pay to get in we would have left right then. And you did feel forced to pay at the front gate no doubt about it. They could have had donation tables inside not at the main entrance.
Cole Porter's "Kiss me Kate" is loosely based on The Taming of the Shrew.
I believe The Barnacle lady thanked everyone for their donations. No one was forced to give. I don't think it's tacky to ask for help. Would you rather see the place fall into ruin?
It is a free performance - the donations are totally voluntary. Why are people so mean?
The Barnacle belongs to the people of the State of Florida. Looks like the people would want to take care of her. What's a measly five bucks anyway?
Bring it back to peacock park where free means free
Why was it moved from Peacock Park - if that was the perfect venue, why didn't it stay there? I find the Barnacle a more tranquil setting - like you said an area steeped in history...and last night's performance was great...I agree that Shakespeare Miami is being short-shrifted here.
"Cole Porter's "Kiss me Kate" is loosely based on The Taming of the Shrew."
Thanks, Jack. Now I remember - Bob Fosse played one of the suitors.
What's happening with the Coconut Grove Playhouse? Can the building be rented out for special events? Back in the 90's, the Playhouse was an anchor in the Grove.
If they are charging for "free" Shakespeare the money should go to Haiti or something. Not the Barnacle roof!!!
Free never means free, someone always has to pay. Why was it not in Peacock Park? In an earlier post someone said it was because the city would not pay for the event. The state was willing to bear the cost of hosting it. You just have to listen to a pitch to donate. Given the alternative was canceling the event, is this really so bad?
Lay off the Barnacle, they deserve nothing but praise for stepping in at the last minute to host this great event in the Grove!
Good Lord, how lucky are we to have these kinds of things offered in our beautiful community. So what if the Barnacle asked for a voluntary donation? If you can help and can afford to give $5, do it. If you can't, don't. I didn't donate because I jogged over and didn't have any cash. The person who was asking couldn't have been nicer and told me to enjoy the play. I'll be sure to bring some next time...
Take the words FREE off the ads if they are charging $5.00. Period. end of story.
What's happening with the Coconut Grove Playhouse? Can the building be rented out for special events?
Gus-
Parts of the Playhouse was condemned as structurally unsound several years ago, and I doubt they have a valid CO at this point.
No offense Grape, but they weren't charging $5, it was a voluntary donation to the Barnacle. Honestly, I felt more pressure from the girl scouts and their mothers selling cookies than I did to donate that night (which, by the way, I did not. Didn't buy cookies, either, but always say no thanks with a smile). Love the event, but didn't feel like donating, and they seemed fine with that.
A donation is not a charge.
Shakespeare Miami isn't charging. The Barnacle isn't charging. It's stating a need and leaving it to the individual on whether he/she wishes to contribute to the cause. Haiti relief is indeed a worthy cause and so is preserving the Grove's precious history. Isn't this site supposed to be promoting the Grove and not tearing it down?
Thank you, CLJ. =)
In answer to everyone's comments about keeping the production in Peacock Park... This year we lost 90% of our funding. The City of Miami charged us a small fortune to use Peacock Park. The Barnacle stepped up and offered us the park for free. The Park spent their own money to host us (park rangers - power - overtime.) I work very hard to keep this event free to the public. We're trying our best in this very tough economy. Colleen Stovall at Shakespeare Miami
THANK YOU COLLEEN -- PLEASE KEEP THE FAITH AND KEEP THESE PRODUCTIONS ONGOING!!!!!!!!!!! THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!!!!!!!
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