'King Lear,' and 'Beatlemania Again' to Fill Pleasant Valley Park This Week

Starting this Thursday, and running through next Sunday, theater lovers from around the area can enjoy the second of two British productions to be staged at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge — but this week's is certainly no comedy.

Fresh off several July presentations of the musical comedy "Spamalot," Basking Ridge-based Trilogy Repertory Co. next is presenting one of Shakespeare's heavy hitters — King Lear.

The free outdoor performances will be offered by Trilogy in partnership with Westfield’s Troupe of Friends at 8 p.m. nightly from Aug. 1-3, Thursday through Saturday, and at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, at the outdoor amphitheater at Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road.

Even moderate rain won't cancel the show — or even keep the crowd away — as one slightly soggy production of Spamalot proved for the enthusiastic audience.

Audience members are asked to bring their own blankets or other seating, and donations are appreciated.

Trilogy's Hank Barre will produce 'Lear,' to be directed by Joe Penczak.

Barre previously said that 'King Lear' also will be staged in Westfield later in the summer.

Last concert in park this week

This Tuesday, a fourth free concert in Pleasant Valley Park, Beatlemania Again, will be presented outdoors at Pleasant Valley Park. In case of rain, the concert will be moved indoors to the Performing Arts Center at Ridge High School, 268 S. Finley Ave.

Information about all of the plays and other presentations in township park are online on the Bernards Township website.