BWW Reviews: Actors' Theatre of Columbus- Shakespeare at Schiller Gets Warm Reception Despite Chilly Evening

Actors' Theater of Columbus opened its 32nd summer season with its Annual Opening Night Tent Dinner last night in the Schiller Park amphitheater. Despite the uncooperative weather canceling the performance of "King Arthur and the Sword of Britain", the crowd was abuzz with excitement over this season's line-up of free summer Theater Productions in the park.

Local playwright Philip J. Hickman has created a world of knights, maidens, and dangerous sprites. In describing his take on King Arthur, Hickman says, "The very earliest stories passed down anonymously from the 5th and 6th centuries are fairy tales- grand encounters with giants, monsters, dangerous sprites, and mysterious creatures. "King Arthur & the Sword of Britain" is this kind of story." Hickman and Director C. Austin Hill were on hand to brag about their production, and rightfully so, as with a cast full of energy and enthusiasm, a witty and novel script, tricky stage combat, lovely fairies, and an impressive set, all played out under the starry summer skies, this season's opening show is bound to be a must-see summer theater experience.

Artistic Director, John S. Kuhn also spoke, and commented that one of the things that he loves most about the Schiller Park shows is that he is able to make theater accessible to many individuals who would otherwise not ever attend a live show, particularly the young people of the community. Playwright Hickman noted the play's ability to maintain not only its entertainment value, but its relevance to modern society, as it speaks to a theme of leadership that audiences will find both timely and intriguing.

The slightly soggy, though none-the-less undaunted crowd of over 100 vowed to return to welcome the world-premiere, opening night performance of "King Arthur and the Sword of Britain" tomorrow evening, Friday, May 24th at 8:00pm in Schiller Park's outdoor amphitheater. If the energy under the tent was any indication, tomorrow's production might be just the thing to remind its audience that while it may feel like Fall, Actors' Theater of Columbus is only starting to warm up for a sunny season of Shakespeare to come.

Grab your picnic basket, a few blankets, and your family and join in for one of the best kept free theater experiences in Columbus. Actors' Theater of Columbus will be performing Thursday-Sunday evenings at 8pm at Schiller Park in German Village, with shows as follows: "King Arthur and the Sword of Britain" 05/23- 06/13, 'Twelfth Night" 06/17-07/28, and "The Beaux Stratagem" 08/01-09/01. For additional information, please go to: http://www.theactorstheatre.org/index.asp

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