Why is this summer different from all other summers — for us band of the Balcony Bards?
For starters, there’s Frank Mack. He’s the new and wonderful head of USF, whom you’ll all meet, along with our favorite Brian Vaughn, now the sole artistic director. (By the way, Brian is doing a one-man show An Iliad on July 31st; if you’re there early and would like tickets, let me know).
We have the treat of four Shakespeare plays (We usually get three), which cover all four genres —history (Henry VI, Part I), tragedy (Othello), comedy (Merry Wives of Windsor) and problem play(Merchant of Venice).
Third, Nord will exalt — as much as his Nordic-Iowan background permits exaltation — over his all-time favorite musical, winner of three Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score, Big River(which, not incidentally, has a connection with his hometown of Audubon, Iowa). We’ll learn from Nord about Mark Twain, Huck Finn, Jim, etc.
There’s a unique visit in store for us — to some ancient Shakespearean documents (Folios) which SUU somehow managed to acquire. The custodian of these rare treasures will give us a private tour.
Last, there are really late activities for our night owls — not just gallivanting on the balcony, but a post-show talent display Thursday night, and the onetime-a-summer Bardway, Baby performance Friday, beginning at 11:30 pm, with Broadway tunes performed by gifted cast members.
We’re at the Utah Shakespeare Festival from Wednesday, August 1st to Sunday, August 5th., We will proudly sit in THE BALCONY BARDS SEMINAR GROVE, made possible by the generosity of you Balcony Bards, part of our “random acts of kindness.” And some of us will be there with our grand-Bards, the third generation of Bardians.
Jimmy’s questionnaire to you will go out in April. Please fill out all sections, to help us plan rooms and meals.
Now you should reserve rooms at our beloved El Rey, by calling 1-435-586-6518. Tell the receptionist that you’re part of the Balcony Bards, the rooms Carol Adelman reserved. Extra credit to those taking a room on the action-packed (noisy) balcony.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s to come:
- Wednesday, August 1st
- 8:00 pm – Othello
- Thursday, August 2nd
- 8:00 pm – Henry VI, Part I
- Friday, August 3rd
- 2:00 pm – The Foreigner
- 8:00 pm – Merchant of Venice
- 11:30 pm – Bardway, Baby
- Saturday, August 4th
- 2:00 pm – Big River
- 8:00 pm – Merry Wives of Windsor
We will relish the culinary delights Cedar City offers, including a dinner hosted by SUU President Scott Wyatt, and Kathy, on Thursday, August 2nd. There will be the fabulous seminars with Ace and hikes & bikes in Bryce or Zion or around town, cigars on the balcony, swimming in Olympian El Rey pool, and just hanging on the balcony.
On Friday night, we will dine on the Engelstad Theater patio with favorite actors and USF execs.
Saturday night, our having seen Big River earlier that day, we will costume-up in Big River attire — top hats, bowlers or straw hats, long skirts, hoop skirts, shawls, boots or barefoot. In such attire, what you’d wear for the 1880s Mississippi River or riverside, we’ll hold our Bad Talent contest.
And we will surely sing our Balcony Bard Anthem:
May I suggest, may I suggest to you
May I suggest this is the best part of your life?
May I suggest, this time is blessed for you?
This time is blessed and shining almost blinding bright
Just turn your head, and you’ll begin to see…
The reasons why, why I suggest to you
Why I suggest this is the best part of your life.
We look forward to seeing you all in Cedar City to share our happiness.