Enjoy Shakespeare Under the Sky at Bloedel

BPA’s seventh annual Summertime Shakespeare performance July 11-28 at the Bloedel Reserve offers a dramatic summer evening for all ages. Widely considered to be one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies, “As You Like It” offers something for everyone: villainy, romance, humor and a happy ending.

This adventurous tale from the Forest of Arden combines the flavor of Robin Hood with romance around every tree. It is a story of disguise and love triangles, and all of the confusion gets sorted out in the end.

This season marks Director Kristi Ann Jacobson’s seventh year with BPA Shakes and her fifth year on the production team. Her love for the Bard’s text began at University and continued with an intensive study at RADA in London and a two-year intensive study/internship with Theatricum Botanicum.

The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island is an internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve whose mission is to “enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” The BPA Shakespeare Society’s summertime performance aligns seamlessly with the founder’s vision “to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty.”

Picnics and set up for picnics will be allowed in the meadow after 6 p.m. Beer and wine will neither be sold nor permitted at this year’s event per regulations under the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board.

Just over two hours, the production has one intermission. Patrons are advised to bring low lawn chairs; there is limited blanket seating available. Seating on blankets will be in front; seating in elevated chairs will be in rear. Space is limited, and seating is first come first served.

There is no ADA parking close to the stage and patrons requiring handicap access can make use of a shuttle drop-off at the stage area. Please note that the audience area is a grassy region and that there is no paved access to the meadow.

“As You Like It” appears at The Bloedel Reserve, 7571 NE Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island, with shows on July 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26 and 28, plus a special Pay-What-You-Can Preview on July 10. All performances are at 7 p.m. Book early for the Saturday, July 13, Teen Tickets, $5 online while supplies last.

Audience members should be prepared for a breathtakingly beautiful five-minute walk between the parking area and meadow. Gates open at 6 p.m. You may enter the grounds earlier by paying a reduced same-day-only rate of $5 valid after 4:30 p.m. Performances will continue as scheduled in very light rain.