New Location Chosen For Geneva Shakespeare In The Park

GENEVA, IL — Shakespeare in the Park will take place at a new location this summer, organizers announced.

Island Park endured flooding, causing organizers of the annual free outdoor performance to shift gears and hold a performance of "Twelfth Night" Aug. 3 at Sunset Park, 701 Western Ave.

The family-friendly event will feature Goodly Creatures Theatre performing the Shakespearean drama about love and mistaken identity. Seating will begin at 4 p.m., an hour before The Republic of Letters' story time for children read by a local children's author, Leo Zarko. Prizes will be given out at 5:30 p.m. for the most elaborate picnic spread and to the person who traveled the farthest to attend the play.

The play will begin at 6 p.m. and last 90 minutes without intermission.

"Our mission is to make The Bard accessible to all, and so we ensure that we use our body language and comic opportunities to propel the story forward," Goodly Creatures director Katrina Syrris said, according to a Geneva Chamber of Commerce news release, which added that the play is suitable for all ages, and even new-to-Shakespeare viewers will enjoy the comedy.

Attendees can bring chairs, blankets and a picnic or purchase food and drinks from local vendors. Parking will be available in the Third Street commuter parking deck just north of the Union Pacific West railway tracks as well as in downtown parking lots.

Route 31 remains closed due to the ongoing Union Pacific Third Main Line project. The Fox River Trail from the Kane County Government Center parking lot to the Fox River pedestrian bridge is also shut down during construction.