Saratoga Shakespeare offers free ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ in Congress Park
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Anyone who has ever participated in a theater production knows the experience forms a strong feeling of community.
There is a bonding that takes place among the performers. They also build an attachment with their supportive audiences, especially subscribers who attend the four to eight play seasons.
Saratoga Shakespeare has been the theatrical equivalent of the musical “Brigadoon,” the magical city that comes to life once a century. In Saratoga Shakespeare’s case it’s once a summer where they offer the community a free production of a play by William Shakespeare.
This week the play presented in Congress Park is the comedy “Much Ado About Nothing”. It continues through Saturday starting at 6 pm. Bring a low chair, a blanket or both — some snacks and beverages and be part of the renewal of a Saratoga tradition — free summer Shakespeare in Congress Park.
Getting back to the community aspect of the production, this year is more like Lazarus being raised from the dead than it is “Brigadoon.” It’s almost miraculous that after a couple of major leadership changes and two seasons of being shut down by COVID, the theater company didn’t dissolve.
The reason it still exists is the firm belief by the Board of Trustees and the theater artists that this summer event is not just about putting on a play. Most feel it is a cultural obligation to the City of Saratoga.
The company was founded in 2000 by William Finley and Micaela Reilly Wilson. It was almost immediately embraced by the community and the on stage, or in this case the on-field, work improved every season. Lary and Barbara Opitz replaced Finley, who retired from the organization in 2012. By this time in their development Saratoga Shakespeare had a loyal following and their two week run drew large nightly crowds, many of whom were families picnicking before and during the show. Both retired in 2019.
As a case of the worst timing ever — Marcus Dean Fuller became the executive artistic director in the fall of 2019 — approximately four months before COVID stopped all communal activities. Despite efforts to produce on Zoom, Saratoga Shakespeare had no presence in the community. Fuller is no longer with the company.
Board president Steve Greenblatt of Steven D, Greenblatt, PLLC of Saratoga pulled together several long time board members and suggested trying to put together a one-week season this year. They approached the City of Saratoga to explore a one week’s access to Congress Park. The city made it happen.
Greenblatt commented by way of email “I offer thanks to the many individuals in the City’s Department of Public Works and Accounts who answered all our questions and guided us through the process of obtaining the necessary permits and clearances which made it possible to stage this show in our traditional ‘home’, Congress Park.”
With the city on board, they reached out to loyal company members. One of the first contacted was actor Tim Dugan, who was a leading man in many of the productions. He agreed to play Benedick in “Much Ado About Nothing.” Sara Friedman, a technical specialist with the company, gave her support and energy to the production, and actor/ producer/director David Girard, is helping with several off-stage responsibilities.
Perhaps most importantly, they reached out to actor-director Wesley Broulik, who now lives in Connecticut and asked him to direct.
In a recent telephone interview Broulik, who directed the company’s final show “King Lear” in 2019, laughed and said everyone’s reply sounded like: “The band is back together.” He says he shares the sentiment.
He also admitted the idea of working on “Much Ado About Nothing” was a great enticement. “I think it’s one of Shakespeare’s great comedies, that many plays, movies and television sitcoms have successfully copied.” He described the work as being about two people, Benedick and Beatrice (played by Laura Manzie) who are obviously perfect for one another and are begrudgingly attracted to each other. It takes the scheming of friends to bring them together to find out what everyone else already knew.”
When asked what connected so many people who are excited to perform outdoors in hot weather wearing heavy costumes for almost no money, he answered, “Talented, dedicated people, who love their craft, Saratoga Shakespeare and Saratoga Springs.” He added with pride, ”This is a company that is dedicated to good work and service to the community.”
“Much Ado About Nothing” is outdoors in Congress Park (weather permitting). 6 p.m. tonight through Saturday.