It’s not every day that you can watch a performance of one of the Bard’s most-popular romantic tragedies under the open skies. In July, William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” comes to the Bloedel Reserve, where you’ll be able to watch the long feud between the Montague and Capulet families from the comfort of your lawn chair (or blanket).
The July 13-29 performance is part of Bainbridge Performing Arts’ 6th Annual Summertime Shakespeare program. Directed by Kate Carruthers, BPA’s ensemble of both newcomers and returning favorites will make the tragic story unfold on Bloedel’s lawn, as revenge, love and a secret marriage force the young star-crossed lovers to grow up quickly — and fate ultimately causes them to take their own lives in despair.
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
Kate BPA directing credits include more than a dozen plays, including the 2016 summertime Shakespeare performance of “Much Ado About Nothing.”
“Romeo & Julie” will be presented at The Bloedel Reserve, 7571 NE Dolphin Drive, on July 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29, plus a special Pay-What-You-Can Preview on July 12. All performances are at 7 p.m.
Audience members should be prepared for a breathtakingly beautiful five-minute walk between the parking area and meadow. Gates open at 6 p.m. Patrons may enter the grounds earlier by paying a reduced same-day-only rate of $5, valid after 4:30 p.m.
Picnics and setup 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. These regulations will be enforced to ensure that all patrons are in compliance.
Just over two hours, the production has one intermission. Bring your own seats, low lawn chairs or blankets. Space is limited, and seating is first come first served. Please note that 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. The audience area is grassy region and there is no paved access to the meadow.
BPA’s 2013-2017 productions were met with rave reviews and sold out quickly; you are are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Cost is $29 for adults; and $24 for seniors, students, youth, military and teachers, available online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206-842-8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and one hour prior to each performance.
Performances will continue as scheduled in very light rain but may be canceled in the event of more inclement weather. Refunds for weather-related cancellations are not provided; however, ticket holders for any canceled performances may select another performance date.
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