Shakespeare comes to play in park
Karen Peterson photo
The Fortune Teller conjures up the Butcher’s fortune in the restoration comedy, “The Recruiting Officer,” first performed in 1706 and on stage in St. Ignatius Thursday, Aug. 15.
Karen Peterson photo
Kody Walker puts the charm on Melinda, played by Miriam Reuter, during Thursday’s Shakespeare in the Park performance in St. Ignatius.
Karen Peterson photo
Shakespeare in the Park brought crowds to the St. Ignatius outdoor amphitheatre Thursday, Aug. 15.
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ST. IGNATIUS – Players from Montana Shakespeare in the Parks came to town with a combination of comedy and history as they performed “The Recruiting Officer” written by the lesser-known George Farquhar and first performed in 1706.
“He was a few hundred years after Shakespeare but when this company first started they’d do Shakespeare and a restoration comedy. That’s what this is: a restoration comedy. The play shows how war affects small towns. The play we are doing in Charlo, “Henry V,” is also based on war and it’s by Shakespeare,” said Kody Walker from Chicago, the actor playing Captain Brazein, “a very big foppish character.”
Walker was outfitted in a large fuzzy hat over a white wig creating extra warmth as the sun glared onto the stage like an overbearing spotlight.
“We were warm. I’m sure I could’ve roasted a chicken under that hat. The hat is supposed to be made of bear but it’s actually some kind of sheep, but I still had a lot of fun even with the heat. We really like to perform in smaller towns that might not get theater without us.”
Grayson Heyl, also from Chicago, played Silvia.
“The people make it worth it. It’s about the joy I see in peoples’ faces as they watch.”
Ben Kester of St. Ignatius was impressed with the Irish accents the players used during the performance.
“I’m from England. It’s tough to do a good accent. They did it well,” he said in his own native English dialect.
Sherry Crepeau from Arlee attends the play every year.
“I’ve been to about 10 of these plays or maybe 15. I enjoyed the humor. The little tongue and cheek remarks were wonderful.”
But some people missed the Bard’s style.
“The play was done very well. They did a wonderful job, but it isn’t Shakespeare. He has much more depth,” Antje Baty said.
Shakespeare’s work returns in a “Henry V” production in Charlo at Palmer’s Park on Saturday, Aug. 24. Shade is provided by willow trees, but people need to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Food and drinks are available. For further information, contact (406) 644-2311.
