Gamut’s “Free Shakespeare in the Park” has a longstanding tradition of taking Shakespeare’s works and blowing them wide open.
Year after year, Harrisburg Shakespeare Company (HSC) makes the playwright accessible to everyone when they perform at Reservoir Park in Harrisburg’s Allison Hill neighborhood. The shows are completely free, exposing many different types of audiences to the Bard—some for the very first time.
This year’s play is one of Shakespeare’s more experimental works. He toys with tone, genre and even a little bit of magic. The story begins as a wholehearted tragedy but, by the end, transforms into one of the playwright’s funniest comedies. If you love to be outdoors on a summer night and you’re looking for high-quality entertainment, this is the show for you.
I spoke with Director J. Clark Nicholson about this year’s production, “The Winter’s Tale,” to get a better sense of the story, what audiences can expect, and why Gamut chose this play for the 29th season.
“We chose it because of the time we’re in now in the world—a time of recommitment, rebirth and, hopefully, positive change after a trying time for the entire earth,” Nicholson said. “It’s my second time directing this play, and I knew from the first time that the play is special—and, for Shakespeare, experimental. A theme of ‘still trying to find life-force despite these trying times’ is really embedded in the writing of this play.”
This is HSC’s first full-scale “Free Shakespeare in the Park” since 2019, and everyone working on the show was eager to get back to it. This will be evident to audiences when they see how much talent and care will go into every aspect of this production—from the costumes and sound to the lighting designs and large outdoor stage.
And of course, as many Shakespeare nerds will attest, there is the matter of “The Bear.”
“The bear is a pivotal—literally a pivotal—part of the story,” Nicholson said. “It’s the place and event where the whole story pivots. A very dark story gets as dark as possible before light comes, and we can see the possibility of forgiveness, growth and rebirth.”
Still wondering what exactly the bear is and why it matters?
“You’ll have to come see the play if you want to see what we do with the bear,” Nicholson said, with a chuckle.
Gamut’s main community partner for the 29th annual “Free Shakespeare in the Park” is Narçisse Theatre Company, run by Artistic Director FL Henley, who is also a member of the cast. He plays Leontes, King of Sicilia, one of the major characters in “The Winter’s Tale.”
“It’s a very challenging role,” Henley said. “What we see with Leontes is a man who very rapidly has a complete disintegration of his psyche. He goes mad with jealousy.”
He compared Leontes to an even more famous Shakespeare character—Othello.
“It’s very similar, but Othello has five acts to descend into madness,” Henley said. “Leontes has about 10 minutes. His anger is based upon fear, and his fear is completely irrational. It’s a very intense role, and I’m loving the challenge.”
If you’re not sold on this production yet, you may be interested to know about one final and essential element—food. Jazzeryn’s Catering will be at every performance, selling catered comfort foods, as they have for several years.
So, why is it worth the trip to Reservoir Park this month?
“Our audience can expect an evening of reflection, followed by reconciliation, and followed yet again by belly laughs,” Nicholson said. “I think people should come see this play because this (‘Free Shakespeare in the Park’) has been a fun tradition. And because it offers great dramatic and comedic performances with magical elements that are completely enchanting.”
“The Winter’s Tale” runs June 3 to June 18 at the bandshell in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, with shows Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. There are no tickets for this production and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Gamut recommends that patrons bring a chair or blanket for seating, and come early to claim a great spot. They will also be accepting canned goods for the Bethesda Mission. For more information, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/fsip.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
29th Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park
“The Winter’s Tale”
June 3 to 18
Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
This event is free.
Encore Production
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
By William Shakespeare
June 22 to 24
Shows at 7:30 p.m.
Doors and bar open one hour prior to the performance.
Tickets are “pick your price.” You can choose the recommended $38 ticket or a discounted ticket price of $26 or $14.
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“Crowns”
A gospel musical
Through June 26
Open Stage Gala
At Country Club of Harrisburg
June 4
Black NewsBeat
With Dr. Kimeka Campbell
June 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
OSHKids Summer Camp
Enrolling now
June 13 to 30
Disney’s Frozen Kids
June 29 & 30, 7 p.m.
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