Shakespeare at the Market returns on Oct. 27

The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre presents Shakespeare at the Market in 2017 at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market. - Submitted photo
The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre presents Shakespeare at the Market in 2017 at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market. - Submitted photo

The famously star-crossed couple of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet will once again fall in love when the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre performs "Romeo and Juliet" at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market on Oct. 27.

Returning to Hot Springs for the fourth year in a row, AST will perform an abbreviated, one-hour-long production of the play which event organizer Mary Zunick said is a funny take on the story for "kids, and (for adults) who don't think they like Shakespeare."

The play is being brought to Hot Springs by the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, of which Zunick is the executive director. Previous performances by AST were "Twelfth Night," "Much Ado About Nothing" and "The Taming of the Shrew."

"Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, they do a fantastic job," Zunick said, noting the troupe is "making Shakespeare accessible." As this will be a funnier take on the play, Zunick said the goal is to show youngsters -- and skeptical adults -- that Shakespeare can be fun.

Zunick said such events show children that the classics are worth reading and books of Shakespeare's plays will be given out to the children in attendance. Zunick said the group's past plays have been hits. At last year's show, a woman in her 70s told her it was her first time seeing a Shakespeare play. "She absolutely loved it," Zunick said.

Taking place at the farmers market, Zunick said the show will be laid back. "It's very casual," she said, and encouraged bringing blankets or lawn chairs. She also said many people have picnics before the play.

The event will be the first time AST has performed in October, she said, noting previous plays were held in June or July. Zunick said the weather, and mosquitoes, will be better this time.

Zunick said they are able to bring the troupe to Hot Springs thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo.

The show is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. The farmers market is located 121 Orange St. near Transportation Depot.

Local on 10/14/2019

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