I'm old enough to remember when Covid closed the theatre, Broadway, sporting events, schools and businesses. Listening to the current political discourse, some people seem to believe those were the good old days.
The show, the saying goes, must go on.
Indeed.
If I were asked to name the incredible performances I've been blessed to see I'd include R&J at the Apple Tree Theatre in its premiere run. There would be The Mai, Santa Land Diaries, and The Magic Flute.
And there'd be Broadway experiences such as Allegiance, The Book of Mormon and Phantom of the Opera.
I'll add two performances from this year. John & Jen which played locally at the Black Box of Eastern Illinois University and Airness performed at The City Center in Champaign.
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Mary Jane Oken plays Cannibal Queen in Airness (in a bid by this blog for clicks).
Credit: Illinois Theatre.
The important question on my mind as the summer Shakespeare season comes to an end is how close am I to completing every play in the folio? In fact, there has been no progress for several years now. Of 36 plays, I've seen 29. Here is a list of what remains for me to experience:
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William Shakespeare. Image generated by Canva AI. |
- Winter's Tale
- Antony & Cleopatra
- Life of Timon of Athens
- History of Troilius & Cressida
- Life of King Henry the V
- King Henry the VI Part 1
- King Henry the VI Part 2
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival has been my go-to Shakespeare for several decades. Winter's Tale was part of the 2021, 2011, and 1981 seasons. Henry the V was part of the 2018, 2007, and 1989 seasons. Antony & Cleopatra showed in 2014 and previously in 1991. So it appears that festival has never had a number of plays performed: Timon of Athens, Troilius & Cressida and Henry the VI. And, searching through 28 other venues within a 500 mile drive, it appears the only plays I could have seen this summer season were Henry the V in Traverse City, Michigan and Winter's Tale either in Utah or at Commonwealth Shakespeare Co.
Color me sad!