It's Shakespeare Season: 'The Winter's Tale' Plays Tonight, Tomorrow at Boothe Memorial Park

With only two weekends left, The Players at Putney Gardens welcome the community to enjoy "The Winter's Tale" with them at Boothe Memorial Park. The free performance (donations suggested) begins at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, and runs to July 30.

"The Winter's Tale" marks the company's eighth year in this venue. Being both a comedy and a tragedy, there's something in this play for everyone to enjoy.

Founded in 1992 at the Unitarian Church on Chapel Street, the Putney Players successfully sought to present plays which were not usually seen at local community theatres.

In 2003, the company moved to the sunken Putney Gardens at Boothe Memorial Park and changed their name to The Players at Putney Gardens. This move also brought with it a change of focus. The goal became to perform Shakespeare outdoors for the public. This was realized with the company's first production under the new name and location of "Twelfth Night," followed by "As You Like It" in 2004.

The Players at Putney Gardens member Mark Frattaroli spoke of the locale shift. "It is an unusual space which presented a number of production challenges, but it is also a very beautiful and inviting spot which has been a lot of fun to perform in. The audience seem to like it as well."

Originally an admission fee was charged. However, in 2005, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was the group's first free production -- with donations suggested to help fund the company's costumes and set design. 

"We played to larger crowds and raised the same amount of money as previous years," said Frattaroli. "So it was a lot more fun and rewarding for the actors."

Click here for more information about The Players at Putney Gardens, "The Winter's Tale" and performance information. You can also "like" them on Facebook to stay up to date with their productions and news.

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