All's Well That Ends Well

A few nights I got to see the other show playing at Shakespeare in the Park this summer, All's Well That Ends Well. Since they're doing both shows in repertory, most of the actors perform in both casts. Two of the actors who played supporting roles in Measure for Measure, for example, were the leads in All's Well. It was very impressive - not only are the actors talented performers in one show, they're talented in two, that play alternating nights! Many of them have to play different types of roles in each respective show, and are not typecast into specific characters. Some, however, are - the jester/fool character is played by the same actor in both shows.

We happened to win tickets for the night of the Shakespeare in the Park Gala, so most audience members were sauntered into the theater from a fancy shmancy outdoor dinner party on the lawn behind the theater. These were people who either donated money to the Public Theater (read: bought tickets) or work for the corporations who sponsor Shakespeare in the Park. We, however, were sitting up in the back with the other people who had won tickets in the virtual lottery, but it was nonetheless a great show. Before the show there was a recorded message from Lily Rabe, the lead in last year's Measure for Measure, which is currently playing at the Roundabout Theater, who thanked all of the sponsors sitting there that night. The cast also did a few extra bows in thanks to the special audience. Once again, it was a perfect summer's night, not cloudy, not humid, not hot, not cold. Perfect weather for Shakespeare al fresco!