Schiller Park is full of magic and fantastical stories this summer
Actors’ Theatre of Columbus launches its 43rd outdoor summer season in Schiller Park with a storytelling theme.
“We titled the season ‘Telling Tales’ because that’s the singularly human way we communicate about ourselves, our culture and beliefs,” said artistic director Philip J. Hickman, who selected shows with recently promoted co-artistic director Rowan Winterwood.
“Our season is for people who take delight in fantastical stories. The plays that interested us most are about how we connect through stories, such as a fairy tale or a poem passed down through millennia,” Hickman said.
'Beauty and the Beast' (through June 16)
Lucy Kirkwood’s 90-minute version of the French fable, framed as a story within a story and narrated by an evil fairy, incorporates illusions and some songs.
“That intriguing shift in perspective is a way to look anew at the ideas in this story of enchantment,” Hickman said.
'Chicken & Biscuits' (June 20-July 14)
Douglas Lyons' Broadway comedy revolves around a father’s funeral as two sisters strive to resolve conflicts while their kids face issues.
“It’s a warm comedy about a family coming together, trying to repair their relationships,” Hickman said.
'Twelfth Night' (July 18-Aug. 11)
Lovesick servants, mismatched lovers, mistaken identities and a revenge plot define Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Last staged here in 2013, this is the company’s sixth production of the beloved classic.
“Funny and sweet, this play talks about gender in a warm and comic way... offering a reminder to enjoy life a bit more and take delight where you can,” Hickman said.
'An Iliad' (Aug. 15-Sept. 1)
Told by multiple poets and muses, this expanded version of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s one-act, two-performer retelling of Homer’s epic explores war, honor and changing narratives.
“We took liberties, allowed by the authors, by adding more actors and musicians,” said Hickman, who’s wanted to produce “An Iliad” (first staged in Columbus in 2021) for eight years.
At a glance
All performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays at Schiller Park’s amphitheater.
Admission is free. Reserved seating with advance online purchase is $25. For more information, call 614-444-6888 or visit theactorstheatre.org.
@mgrossberg1
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Actors' Theatre tells stories all summer at Schiller Park
