Once I heard that my pal Karen was taking part in King Claudius in Shakespeare Dallas‘ all-female model of Hamlet, I raced to get tickets. In the event you’ve by no means been to Shakespeare within the Park, you’re in for a deal with. That is how Shakespeare was meant to be loved: below the celebrities. There’s simply nothing higher than sitting on a picnic blanket consuming charcuterie, consuming wine, and watching a improbable present al fresco when the temperature is 68 levels. And the truth that tickets are solely $20 makes it really among the best date nights in Dallas.
Picture Credit score: Shakespeare Dallas
I met my pal Victoria at 7 pm (proper when the gates open for common admission) to have a picnic and catch up earlier than the present. I introduced my favourite Italian Pasta Salad and Spooky Fruit Salad, which I assumed can be applicable since Hamlet is a little bit of a spooky present. Shakespeare Dallas actually leaned into that, with the creepiest ghost I’ve ever seen in Hamlet and loading the stage with tons of fog for the graveyard scene.
I additionally baked my well-known Chocolate Chip Cookies and Victoria introduced hummus and naan bread and a charcuterie board. I really like buddies who carry treats!
We drank Kuhlman Cellars‘ 2021 Property Kuhlmanation Rosé. (LOVE that Shakespeare Dallas is BYOB!) A bit tart with robust flavors of apple and pear, this rosé is ideal for fall! I really like the way it paired with the salami in my Italian Pasta Salad.
I can’t say sufficient fantastic issues about this manufacturing. I’ve to confess, I didn’t like Hamlet earlier than final evening. I merely wished to go help a pal and I all the time take pleasure in going to Shakespeare within the Park however this manufacturing really blew me away. That is arms down the perfect manufacturing of Hamlet I’ve ever seen and Jenny Ledel gave the perfect efficiency of Hamlet I’ve ever seen. As a substitute of languishing and brooding in each scene, Jenny’s Hamlet was brilliant and acerbic, with a James Dean devil-may-care tone within the second act.
I even have to offer a shoutout to costume designer Ryan Matthieu Smith. The costumes have been completely gorgeous. If I may order the Queen’s costume for a Rose Desk ball proper now, I might. This final weekend to catch Hamlet and also you don’t wish to miss it! The present was fast-paced and hilarious, spooky, and simply plain enjoyable to look at. Thanks, Shakespeare Dallas, for lastly making me a Hamlet fan!
Adieu,
