Willamette Shakespeare's: Twelfth Night

  I want to shine the light on Willamette Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. There's still a few performances to be had this weekend. Don't miss it! J and I headed to Montinore last Sunday night and thoroughly enjoyed the performance, company, and quiet date night. Just in from the Owyhee Canyonlands, I didn't want to drive for over an hour for Shakespeare (or anything), but it was well worth the time as this company always does a great job.

   I've had How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare on the coffee table for a few weeks, but I've only cracked it open for a cursory glance or two, because Shakespeare can be intimidating. No? Today, I found Sarah's interview with Ken Ludwig and he makes Shakespeare accessible for the likes of me. I rowed, listened, and learned a lot. I will definitely be returning my library copy and buying this book.  I won't bother to list other Shakespearean resources, as her blog lists the really good ones for you.

   Having honeymooned in Ashland, Oregon, home to the Oregon Shakespearean Festival, I'm slowly growing more acquainted with the Bard as we add years to our marriage. J has a much greater appreciation and comprehension of Shakespeare than I, but I'm working on it. We try to return every year or two to enjoy a play, a nice dinner, and the lovely parks. Last year, the kids took in their first play at OSF. We all had a blast.

   We haven't visited on one of their Family Days, but you don't have to visit OSF on a Family Day to get decent play pricing. Section C tickets are reasonable all season round, but must be purchased early in the season. They sell out quickly. 

   As for Shakespeare and kids, we've learned to call ahead and find out more about the play and the company before taking the kids along for the ride. We took them to Comedy of Errors last summer at Oregon State University and that didn't go well. The production was Comedy of Errors meets Jersey Shore. Literally. It was too bawdy for us! It was of little comfort, that it was flying over brother's head, because sister didn't miss a line. We ended up leaving early. Something about the balloon boobs and bums was a bit too much for this forty year old. Checking ahead is good. Very good. Don't say, I didn't tell ya!

  Want to see Twelfth Night? Head over to Ponzi this weekend. Shakespeare is a lot of fun, and free is fabulous. More resources are available on Ken's website. I can't wait to listen with the kids and discuss this book, and yes, maybe even memorize!

How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare

Realized I do want to add these resources: 

The Folger Shakespeare Library

The Complete Works Project in Portland