Shakespeare in the Park begins Thursday in Los Alamos. See schedule below. Courtesy photo
Shakespeare in the Park is something that has long been mentioned as something the Little Theatre “should do,” but hadn’t. When LALT found it would have to be out of the Performing Arts Center, the Artistic Committee decided this was the time to make it happen, despite a few hurdles.
The first hurdle was funding. Due to the renovations by the county, LALT is in a tight financial position for the current and next year’s seasons. In stepped 100 Women Who Care, who collectively donated the funding for two of LALT’s 25/26 shows.
The second hurdle was location. LALT approached Todd Nickols, the Executive Director of the Los Alamos Historical Society, who immediately said yes to helping out. “The Historical Society is thrilled to provide a performance venue for the Los Alamos Little Theatre’s performance of Julius Caesar. I will enjoy watching Shakespeare come to life in a place steeped in history,” said Nickols.
The third hurdle was having a handicap accessible performance. Due to road construction around Bathtub Row, the production team wanted to have one accessible show. LALT approached Jacci Gruninger, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization, who was very enthusiastic about collaborating and stepped in with additional support for rehearsal space, as well as a back-up venue for inclement weather. “The Los Alamos Senior Activity Centers are thrilled to present the Los Alamos Little Theater’s production of Julius Caesar this weekend. Partnering with our local non-profits enriches our community and creates a more vibrant experience for everyone involved,” said Jacci Gruninger, Executive Director.
Fortunately, the last hurdle was trivial due to experienced Shakespearen Director and fight choreographer Lindsey Gordon stepping up to direct Julius Caesar. Said Gordon about her choice, “Julius Caesar seemed like the perfect choice for LALT’s first foray into Shakespeare in the Park. It’s recognizable, relevant, and contains classic lines (et tu, Brute?), without the baggage of being Hamlet.”
With a cast of 19, Julius Caesar is a talented group of local actors ready to entertain you! The show will be held in three venues, the Hans Bethe House, Betty Ehart Senior Center, and Fuller Lodge. The show was kept flexible by design. Director Lindsey Gordon emphasized, “The concept for the show is simplicity – there’s hardly any set or tech, letting the story and actors shine. It also makes the show portable, as doing a show outdoors comes with all kinds of challenges, from gophers to temperamental weather.”
For shows at the Hans Bethe House, if the weather decides to behave, be sure to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. There is no alcohol permitted on the grounds of the Hans Bethe House, but feel free to bring non-alcoholic drinks and food. After the show, Bathtub Brewing is conveniently only a few steps away.
Julius Caesar Show Dates:
Thursday, Aug 7th, at 6pm at the Hans Bethe House
Saturday, Aug 9th, at 6pm at the Hans Bethe House
Sunday, Aug 10th, at 2pm at the Betty Ehart Senior Center
Thursday, Aug 14th, at 6pm at Fuller Lodge
Saturday, Aug 15th, at 6pm at the Hans Bethe House
Sunday, Aug 16th, at 2 pm at the Hans Bethe House
Keep an eye on LALT’s facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/130410276993018(https://www.facebook.com/groups/130410276993018) for any last-minute location changes in case we have to relocate a performance.