Summer brings out many Shakespeare productions across the state for old and young to enjoy.
This Friday, the group Utah Shakespeare in the Park will perform the romantic comedy “All’s Well That Ends Well” at the Orem Public Library.
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The directors of the troupe are all trained as actors. This plays a significant part in the end interpretation of their performances and is a foundation for the work of the group as whole, said Cameron Bench, c0-director and a senior from Orem studying theater.
“It’s one of the best things about our performances because Shakespeare is such a heightened text,” Bench said. “We want to make Shakespeare more accessible to modern audiences.”
While carefully maintaining the integrity of the language of Shakespeare, the troupe delivers mini productions that are precise and relevant.
According to Utah Shakespeare in the Park’s website, the theater company believes its productions are the perfect way to introduce Shakespeare to children in a way that will make him beloved rather than boring. All of their productions are prepared intelligently and thoughtfully in a way that Shakespeare aficionados have no need to fear.
Friday’s production of “All’s Well That Ends Well” brings to life the story of a young nobleman called Bertram and his marriage to an orphaned commoner named Helena. The romantic comedy is centered on the problems of their different backgrounds and ultimately enduring until “All’s Well That Ends Well.”
According to arts and entertainment blogger Perrin Drumm of sundancechannel.com, “All’s Well that Ends Well” is one of Shakespeare’s problem plays, not because the plot is riddled with problems, but because no one can decide if it should be categorized as a comedy or a tragedy. A play is considered a comedy if it ends happily and a tragedy if it does not. The decision is left up to each individual director as to how this play ends. Comedy or tragedy, the event promises to entertain all audiences.
Orem Public Library is excited to offer this production to the community.
“We love bringing community theater to our patrons,” said Christy Hughes, the library’s publicist. “Utah Shakespeare in the Park draws such a wide variety of participants, both old and young, and provides a great date night experience. We are always thrilled to have them with us to showcase the theater arts.”
“All’s Well That Ends Well” is showing in the storytelling wing of the Orem Public Library. The play starts at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.
