Arts & Entertainment
'The Winter's Tale' Draws to a Close
Shakespeare's dramedy performed by the Players at Putney Gardens at Boothe Memorial Park will stage its last performance tomorrow night.
Full of tragedy and comedy brought about by love, jealousy and misunderstandings -- and perhaps even the presence of a bear -- Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" ushers in its fourth and final weekend tonight at Boothe Memorial Park.
The Players at Putney Gardens -- a cast of 16 -- have staged the dramedy over the last month, braving sometimes sweltering heat and the occasional downpour. But that has not stopped large and enthusiastic crowds from coming out to see the Bard's work.
“We have had a good crowd so far and it has been a lot of fun during the rain," said Stratford native Susan Devaney, who plays Paulina, one of Queen Hermione's ladies, in the play. A July 8 performance was rained out.
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The Players at Putney Gardens -- Stratford's only resident Shakespeare company -- began rehearsing for "The Winter's Tale" on May 19. Their first performance at the sunken garden at the park was on July 9.
Devaney said she joined the company after seeing them perform "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Unitarian Church on Chapel Street. She said her interest and respect for the Players comes from their organization and efficiency.
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Tonight and tomorrow's performances begin at 8 p.m.; admission is free and patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or low lawn chairs.
Have you seen a performance yet? Are you planning to this weekend? Tell us in the comments section below.
