Founded 40 years ago, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park has become a staple in Oklahoma City. The creators of the company, Jack O’Meara and Kathryn McGill, felt that our community would benefit from seeing the works of William Shakespeare live on stage. Its first season was performed on a simple platform built in Hafer Park in Edmond, offering free performances of the classics Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Since then, the theatre company has moved twice and has now found its forever home nestled in the Paseo. A 55-seat indoor theatre hosts the productions during the chillier months, but in June, July and August, plays are once again performed under the stars, just as they were four decades ago. The outdoor theatrical space, called Shakespeare Gardens, is reminiscent of the days at Hafer Park, beautifully landscaped with rose bushes and pine trees. The ADA-compliant venue has a full liquor license, and guests are encouraged to sit on the lawn with a picnic basket and blanket, buy a bottle of wine and enjoy the show.
Artistic Director Tyler Woods said, “I am very excited to be leading Oklahoma Shakespeare into its fifth decade. Since 1985, we have produced exceptional classical theatre for Oklahomans to enjoy at affordable prices, with accessible and family-friendly quality. This season, we invite you to the Paseo to discover Oklahoma Shakespeare!”
June 5-15, the outdoor season begins with The Merry Wives of Windsor, one of The Bard’s great comedies. Follow the lovable, clownish figure Falstaff as he attempts to seduce married women — and the shenanigans that follow.
Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost will take the stage Aug. 7-17. This heartwarming play is about four young men who have sworn off women just in time for some of the most desirable women in the world to arrive and fall in love with them.
Next up is the modern-day classic The Lion in Winter by James Goldman. This is a fictionalized historical play featuring both drama and comedy. King Henry II of England and his family, including his imprisoned wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, celebrate Christmas at his castle. Woods noted, “this play is well known to some, and will be a wonderful surprise to many. It is elegant, funny, charming and full of intrigue.”
Finishing off the season strong Dec. 4-21 is Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker, written by Erin Woods based on the letters and novels of Jane Austen. Tyler Woods proudly said, “this was written by my wife about a decade ago. The production is an interactive holiday ball set in Jane Austen’s home in the late 1700s. Our theatre has been completely decorated for Christmas and we teach patrons how to sing and dance, just as you would see in a Jane Austen movie. It is a unique experience for Oklahoma City.” Christmas Cracker is sponsored by Braum’s and audiences receive free ice cream as a holiday treat.
Whether you are a Shakespeare lover or a novice, the diversity of productions from Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park this season offers something for everyone.
