Free outdoor Shakespeare and/or musicals is such a staple of summertime. And hearing the botanical gardens had such a program is one of the reasons I got a membership. So we went.
Setting sun rays slanted through the trees into the smooth, grassy Renaissance Court. A reflection pond spread out in glassy stillness. Bugs chirped and hummed; a dragonfly landed on a microphone.
“‘All’s Well that Ends Well’ is one of Shakespeare’s lesser known and least-loved plays. The main couple doesn’t really have you rooting for them to get together, and then they get married. It’s one of Shakespeare’s ‘problem plays.'”
And with THAT glowing introduction, a dozen high schoolers began flinging their arms around each other, gesticulating wildly, and grunting frequently, with feeling and projection. Being chosen for this summer program is apparently a great honor.
For once the kids timed out and I was ready to go anyway. We took the long way back to the car. It was perfect.