Shakespeare by the Sea to open the curtains on new season this weekend

The talented troupe at Shakespeare by the Sea are back for another season, and we get a preview.

Shakespeare by the Sea’s season begins this weekend with their production of “Robin Hood The Legendary Musical Comedy.”

The show has 15 numbers, that include dancing and sword fighting.

The last time Shakespeare by the Sea performed Robin Hood was in 2011. Artistic associate Jade Douris-O’Hara was in the audience that year and now plays role of evil Prince John.

“I never thought that it was a role that I would get to play and here we are. I’m so excited,” said Douris-O’Hara.

“Robin Hood The Legendary Musical Comedy” will be followed by a production of “As You Like It,” which opens on July 25. The play will take place at a couple of different locations throughout Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park. Douris-O’Hara says the location is one of the things that makes their performances so unique.

“The audience is all going to move together with the actors, which goes back to a tradition that existed for Shakespeare by the Sea many, many years ago,” said Douris-O’Hara.

“People always talk to us. They’re like, ‘When are you going to bring back those walking shows?’ The answer is this season. We’re finally doing it.”

And, if the weather is right, the audience will see the moon rise during the show.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s one of those things that I think can be a core memory for especially people who are seeing theater for the first time or people who haven’t seen theater in a hot second,” said actor Matt Lacas, who plays the role of Robin Hood.

“It’s something that kind of can reinvigorate or inspire you to continue to look for more arts in your city.”

Douris-O’Hara says they are encouraging people to book their tickets early, as there will be limited seating for the production of “As You Like It.” There will also be pay what you can tickets for each show, which go on sale the day of the show.

“If anybody has any issues, whether getting into the Point Pleasant Park or for our walk around show, you can book an accessibility ticket, which gets you access to our wonderful golf cart. Those seats are limited,” said Lacas.

“We’re also doing some library matinees this year. Every Saturday in August, you can catch us at the Halifax Central Library,” said Douris-O’Hara.

When asked what he loves about performing, Lacas said because of the sense of community.

“When you get to bring people together from all different walks of life and, you know, you get to help them escape whatever’s going on in their lives for an hour or two hours, and they get to enjoy something together I think that’s really special,” he said.

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