Woodward Shakespeare Festival

Please come back This was one of my favorite things to do here in fresno. I enjoyed for 2 years and now it's gone. When do they come back?

One of the things Evil loves about Fresno living is the very active, very good performing arts community.WSF produces 2 shows each summer in Woodward Park...a comedy and a tragedy.Frankly, whenever amateurs attempt Shakespeare, it can be very hit or miss. Last summer, As You Like It was very poor despite some very strong performances. The lead in that production was possibly the worst actor Evil has ever seen. Terrible.This summer, Merchant of Venice does not have the same problem. This cast was very strong where it needed to be. Bassanio, Shylock, Lorenzo and Jessica stood out.Fortunately, the best of the cast was Portia, who was played by a very lovely, very curvy actress who gave me some evil thoughts...Um...wait...ok...If you have some time on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, go see this fine show. King Lear is next!

This needs to receive more attention! This is the 11th Annual William Shakespeare Festival. Excellent Shakespeare in the park!! Just saw Two Gentlemen of Verona. The modern adaptation of this play is awesome. It's free, but donations are welcomed to keep it going for years to come! Great acting. We brought our own picnic and chairs with a few friends. $5 to get into Woodward Park. Fun evening,can't wait to do this again for years to come!

Great venue and a nice night out. Do not miss this summer addition to Fresno!

Free Shakespeare in the Park. What more needs to be said? Okay, maybe there's more. This is a first-rate production company who puts on three shows per year, each with a four or five week run, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. First show begins in late May to early June, with a short break between shows. The outdoor facility is impressive, with comfortable folding chairs provided, or bring your own chairs or blankets and picnic on the hill that rises behind the last row of chairs. The sun sets behind the stage, meaning all seating is in the shade before showtime. It can actually get "cool" as the show progresses, and a sweater is recommended.The sound and lighting is pretty good, with occasional wireless drop-offs, but still very hearable from the house seating. Stay out of the path of the lighting, though: The bugs can get pretty serious sometimes.The productions themselves are typically very well done, using experienced community theater actors in all roles. Lineup for 2013 is A Midsummer Night's Dream through July 5, Inherit the Wind Starting July 18, and Julius Ceasar beginning Aug. 22. For the 2014 season, Macbeth, The Tempest, and... don't remember the third, but it's straight Shakespeare as well.Highly recommended family entertainment for a bargain price. The show is free, though premium seats can be reserved for $10. There's a park entry fee of $5, with reduced rates for seniors and free for disabled.