Now celebrating its 5th year presenting free Shakespeare in the streets of Park Slope, South Brooklyn Shakespeare (SBS) has announced its 2017 production: Five FREE performances of Shakespeare's Macbeth in Park Slope, with opening night serving as the main event of Park Slope Fifth Avenue's Summer Stroll #2 performed on Fifth Avenue at 18th Street (7/29), plus four performances staged outside The Old Stone House (8/2, 3, 4 & 5).
Macbeth is the second tragedy done by South Brooklyn Shakespeare, the company founded by producers-directors Paul Molnar and Dee Byrd-Molnar, who first brought free outdoor Shakespeare to their South Slope neighborhood in 2013 with A Midsummer Night's Dream staged in a parking lot across from South, the bar they own on Fifth Avenue and 18th Street. That production drew an audience of 300. Since then they've drawn crowds in the thousands with free outdoor productions of Romeo & Juliet (2014), Much Ado About Nothing (2015) and Twelfth Night (2016).
Molnar says "Macbeth seems a perfect fit, you have the supernatural, big fights, blood and all the darkness that leads eventually to Macbeth's fall. Going dark this year has really made us have to explore the humanity and journey that 'vaulting ambition' can lead to. When seen through our modern lens, the lessons taught in Macbeth can powerfully resonate with our audiences." Opening night of Macbeth at Park Slope's Fifth Avenue Summer Stroll #2 is set for 6:30, with bars and restaurants on the street serving drinks and dancing permitted outdoors from 5-9pm each night. Playgoers can bring their own chairs and blankets; a limited number of folding chairs will be available.
Production team: Director: Dee Byrd-Molnar, Producers: Paul Molnar & Dee Byrd-Molnar,Associate Producer: 'Gypsy' George Mihalopoulos, Production Consultant: Aris Paganakis,Production Manager: William Civalier, Casting Associates: Heather Kelley & Jessi Blue Gormezano, Board of Directors: Vic Puri, Evan Bolla, Jennifer Szapiro, Paul Molnar, Dee Byrd-Molnar, Michael Boland, Costume Design: Phoebe Minardi & Pete Ascolese, Scenic Artist: Delia Ricker, Additional Scenic: Pamela Ricker & Chrissy Skubish, Resident Composer & Sound Design: 'Gypsy' George Mihalopoulos, Fight Direction: Paul Molnar, Additional Fight Consultation: ChristIan Kelly-Sordelet & Michael Irish, Prop Master: Elizabeth Sutton-Stone, Lighting: Christina Verde, Vocal Coach: Kris Danford, House Manager: Brian Flanagan, Front of House: Alyssa Adamson, Company Photographer: Justin Bereman Cast: Macbeth: John Bergdahl, Lady Macbeth: Alix McEachern*, Witch/Porter/Murderer/ Messenger: Paul Molnar*, Witch/Murderer/Doctor: Corey Tazmania*, Witch/Murderer/Lady Macduff/Seyton: Elisabeth Preston*, Duncan/Siward/Lord: Franz Jones*, Macolm: John Blair, Banquo: Brandon Rubin, Bloody Sargent/Macduff: Michael Irish*, Ross: Josephine Wilson*, Lennox: Matt Clifford.Two students from SBS's Educational Outreach Programs with Sunset Park Prep, a New York City Public School, are also featured: Omar Abuhammound (Donalbain, Lord, 2nd Apparition) and Christopher Luna (Fleance, Macduff Son, Young Siward, 3rd Apparition). *Actors Appear Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
South Brooklyn Shakespeare's MACBETH on Park Slope 5th Ave.,
Brooklyn 11215
Summer Stroll #2
5th Avenue between 12-18 Streets, July 29, 5-9pm
***5:30pm -- "Beat the Boss" in 2nd Annual Empanada Competitive Eating Contest, Empanada Loca, 606 5th Avenue near 17th St. Contestants can sign up for the Empanada Eating Contest here.
Summer Strolls are four FREE giant block parties when Park Slope 5th Avenue is closed to cars and open to dogs - as well as drink, dancing, live music, food, fashion and fun. Summer Strolls feature food and drink from local bars and restaurants served open air, outdoor sales from local shops, vintage car show, giant street chess, giant rock climbing wall, bouncy house, mini golf, photo booth, fitness/activities (yoga, capoeira, fencing, zumba, ping pong) and a pop-up park-in-the-street (a 79' turf lawn unrolled on the street sponsored by TD Bank). Summer Strolls are sponsored by the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District and the NYC D.O.T. as part of their Weekend Walks program.
About the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District: Founded in January of 2009, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue B.I.D. represents a dynamic commercial and residential corridor whose borders stretch 30 blocks from Dean to 18th Street in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn. #theother5th http://www.parkslopefifthavenuebid.com/Videos