A Midsummer Night’s Dream

 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 17, 2025

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company,
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is two hours of pure joy.  This is their thirtieth year of presenting free summer Shakespeare on the Lower East Side.  Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy has gathered a phenomenal troupe this summer to continue his well-loved tradition.  They are a highly skilled combination of accomplished regulars and bold new faces. 

Egea (played by Lizabeth Allen) brings his daughter, Hermia (played by Miranda Reilly) to Duke Theseus (played by David Marantz) because of her disobedience.  Egea wants Hermia to marry Demetrius (played by Kaleb Baker), but Hermia wants to marry Lysander (played by Patrick Hart).  To make matters worse, Demetrius has been spending time with Helena (played by Lia Bonfilio), but he does not love her.  Theseus proclaims that Hermia must follow her mother’s orders or suffer the consequences.  Lysander and Hermia plan to flee to where Athenian law has no power, and marry there.  Helena hears of this plan and tells Demetrius.  Their paths cross in the forest on a midsummer’s night, where magic and mischief run wild. 

David Marantz, Una Clancy,
& Alessandro Colla

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot regulars, David Marantz and Una Clancy double as Theseus/Oberon and Titania/Hippolyta.  Their relationships in these roles are strikingly different.  They light a fire as Oberon and Titania, creating edgy, zealous characters.  Miranda Reilly, Patrick Hart, Lia Bonfilio, and Kaleb Baker are passionate and endearing as Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius.  Their timing is strong, and their chemistry is potent.  Lizbeth Allen has a strong presence as Egea.  Thammie Laine Quach, Jasmine Gonzales, and Aria Martinelli are mystical and beguiling as Mustardseed, Moth, and Cobweb. 

The Mechanicals are a striking group of actors.  Alessandro Colla and Evangeline Fontaine make their long-awaited comeback to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot.  Mr. Colla is fierce and untamed as Bottom / Pyramus, and Ms. Fontaine is commanding and precise as Peter Quince.  Adam Joy Sall delivers a meek and tender Robin Starling / Moon.  Basil Lvoff is grounded and composed as Snug / Lion.  Marion Stenfort portrays Snout / Wall with a musical flair.  Chris Martel is charming as Flute / Thisbe.  Their individual characters are strong and distinct.  Their comic timing is impeccable.  

Andy Rowell as Puck

Andy Rowell delivers a devilish Puck.  He grabs the audience’s attention from the minute he enters, and they willingly follow him on his magical adventure.  He develops a stunning rapport with Mr. Marantz’s Oberone.  The brightest newcomer to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is Marie Claire as the Changeling.  

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is playing Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM through August 2.  The parking lot is on the corner of Rivington & Norfolk.  Take the F Trian to Delancey.  Nothing says summer more than FREE outdoor Shakespeare, and no one does it better than the Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. 

Domenick Danza

Comedy of Errors

Comedy of Errors

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 22, 2023

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Comedy of Errors is one hour and forty-five minutes of pure fun.  Director Hamilton Clancy has once again brought together a talented and charismatic troupe of actors to fill our summer nights with free, outdoor Shakespeare on the Lower East Side.  This is the Drilling Company’s twenty-fifth season.  They have earned their high level of expertise, which is evident in this phenomenal production.

Aegean of Syracuse (played by Hamilton Clancy) is arrested in Ephesus for unlawful trespass.  He is there in search of his son, Antipholus and his servant Dromio.  The Duke (played by Robert Arcaro) proclaims that he has one day to prove this claim, or he will be put to death as punishment for breaking the law.  In another part of Ephesus, Adriana (played by Petra Deninson) and her sister, Luciana (played by Erin G. Mahoney), mistake Antipholus of Syracuse (played by Drew Valins) and Dromio of Syracuse (played by Karla Hendrick) for her husband Antipholus of Ephesus (also played by Drew Valins) and his servant Dromio of Ephesus (played by Lizabeth Allen).  Adriana brings her mistaken husband and servant into her home for dinner.  They lock the door, keeping her true husband and his servant from entering upon their return.  When her husband does return, he is furious about being locked out, and makes a plan with Angelo (played by Jack Sochet) to meet him later that night for dinner with his Courtesan (played by Erin G. Mahoney).  Antipholus makes a deal with Angelo to purchase a gold necklace as a gift for the Courtesan.  Angelo later delivers the gold necklace to the wrong Antipholus.  The mayhem continues to build as both Dromios are sent on errands, and report back to the wrong master.  The time for Aegean’s sentence has come.  He recognizes Antipholus as the son he was searching for, but which Antipholus will recognize him as his father? 

Drew Valins is outstanding as both Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus.  He creates two distinct characters, varying his physically and vocal cadence.  Mr. Valins’ commitment and presence in each of these characters make them fully recognizable upon his entrance, keeping the storyline clear and fast paced.  Karla Hendrick and Lizabeth Allen are the perfect duo as Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus.  They mirror one another perfectly, making the comedy of errors ring true.  Petra Deninson and Erin G. Mahoney are fully in sync as Adriana and her sister, Luciana.  Their timing delivers the laughs and makes their bold, over the top portrayals endearing and engaging.  Jack Sochet plays Angelo as a cutting edge deal maker.  This works very well with Partick Hart’s no-nonsense portray of the Merchant.  These two actors push the drama and raise the stakes for the main characters, who are immersed in the comedy of confusion.  Additional strong performances are delivered by Bob Arcaro, Remy Souchon, Katherine O’Sullivan, Jamie Russell, Liusaidh Hopper, and a cameo appearance by Hamilton Clancy.  

Photo coutresy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Comedy of Errors plays for one more weekend in the parking lot of The Clemente (114 Norfolk, between Rivington & Delancey).  Performances are July 27, 28, & 29 at 7:00 PM.  The gates open at 6:30.  Get there early to get a good seat, or bring a folding chair or blanket.  It’s free, fun, & amazing!  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

The Two Noble Kinsmen

 The Two Noble Kinsmen
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 16, 2021 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is back… and better than ever!  This summer they are presenting a glorious production of William Shakespeare & John Fletcher’s TheTwo Noble Kinsmen in two locations: the parking lot at the Clemente Cultural Center (107, Suffolk St. on the Lower East Side) and in Bryant Park (6^th Ave. & 42 St.).  Director Hamilton Clancy has gathered a remarkably sharp company of actors for this rarely seen Shakespeare piece.  It is not to be missed.

After Athens is victorious in war with Thebes, Duke Theseus (played by Lukas Raphael) imprisons two noble cousins, Palamon (played by Bradford Frost) and Arcite (played by John Caliendo).  From their prison window, Palamon and Arcite spot Emilia (played by Liz Livingston), who is the sister of Duke Theseus’ wife, Hippolyta (played by Kathleen Simmonds). Both men are enamored and begin arguing over the right to woo her affections.  When Arcite is released from prison and banished from Athens, he disguises himself and sneaks into court to get close to Emilia.  Meanwhile, the Jailors Daughter (played by Jane Bradley) falls madly in love with Palamon and helps him escape. 

Palamon and Arcite find each other in the woods.  Though happy to see one another, they continue to fight for the right to pursue Emilia.  When Duke Theseus discovers them fighting, they reveal their true identities and the reason for the fight.  Theseus sets a date for a duel between the two cousins.  He promises Emilia’s hand to the victor, and death to the loser.

The Jailor’s Daughter has gone mad in her unrequited love of Palamon.  Her father (played by David Marantz) consults a doctor (played by Mary Linehan) to cure her.  The Wooer of the Jailor’s Daughter (played by Remy Souchon) willingly plays his part in her cure. 

Arcite wins the duel for Emilia’s hand, then dies when falling from his horse.  Palamon gains his life and love, but loses his noble cousin and closest friend. 

Bradford Frost as Palamon & John Caliendo as Arcite
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Bradford Frost and John Caliendo bring humor and honesty to the complicated relationship between Palamon and Arcite.  One minute they are inseparable cousins and the next they are fighting to the death.  They create genuine characters, earnestly motivated by love and honor.  Liz Livingston is strong and resolute as Emilia.  Even though she is unwavering in her conviction not to marry either kinsman, she takes the responsibility of the duel very seriously.  Her deliberation is portrayed with high integrity and meticulous care.

Jane Bradley as the Jailer's Daughter
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Jane Bradley is mesmerizing as the Jailer’s Daughter.  The physicality of her character consumes her.  She opens her heart with unwavering trust and steadfast conviction.  The humor is brought to an even higher level in Mary Linehan’s impeccable portrayal of the Doctor, Remy Souchon’s winning portrayal of the Wooer of the Jailer’s Daughter, and David Marantz’s staunch portrayal of the Jailer.  Their characterizations are flawless and their timing is impeccable.   

Lukas Raphael is noble and proud as Theseus, and Kathleen Simmonds is regal and commanding as Hippolyta.  There are strong performances by Lizabeth Allen, Elowyn Castle, Ja’Quawn Turner, and Bob Arcaro, each creating numerous and distinct characters who engage the audience in the progress of the action. 

Director Hamilton Clancy and Assistant Director Karla Hendrick have outdone themselves with this production.  The Two Noble Kinsmen will be at Bryant Park on July 19, 20, & 21 at 7:30 PM, then back at the Clemente Cultural Center parking lot on July 28, 29, & 30 at 7:00 PM.  All performances are FREE.  No one does outdoor Shakespeare better that The Drilling Company.  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

Happy 457th Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare

 Happy 457^th Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare

The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
April 23, 2021

                        Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company                      

How did you spend William Shakespeare’s 457^th birthday?  I spent it at The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot celebration at The Clement (107 Norfolk).  Yes, I attended my first live theatre performance in over a year.  It was outdoors, spacious, everyone wore masks (actors and audience), and Shakespeare was performed and celebrated.

If you’ve read this blog before, you know of my respect and admiration for the work of The Drilling Company.  Their Shakespeare in the Parking Lot productions have presented FREE summer Shakespeare on the Lower East Side for twenty-five years.  You might have seen them in Bryant Park Shakespeare in recent years.  This William Shakespeare birthday celebration was an outstanding evening of songs, scenes, and soliloquies.  It started with the conjuring of three witches from the Scottish Play, and ended with Puck’s ”If we shadows have offended…”  One scene seamlessly blended into the next, filling the audience with joy from both the recognition of these recreations of past productions and the healing energy of the long-missed communal theatre experience.  

Director Hamilton Clancy is gifted in making Shakespeare engaging and accessible for a wide range of audience members.  He is dedicated to making quality performances FREE to the public.  He gathers a masterful troupe of skilled actors every season.  The cast of veteran Drilling Company actors in this celebration were enthralling.  They recreated their former roles and gave a sneak peek into what is being considered for this coming summer.  Yes, they will be back this summer both at The Clement (on the Lower East Side) and at Bryant Park.  Planning is still underway so check their website (drillingcompany.org) for up to date information.  Keep in mind that seating will probably be limited due to social distancing, so even though ALL performance are FREE, reservation will need to be made in advance. 

Domenick Danza

Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

July 13, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Romeo & Juliet is the perfect way for The Drilling Company to celebrate twenty-five years of bringing FREE Shakespeare to the Lower East Side.  Lukas Raphael brilliantly directs a superb cast of ten, led by Anwen Darcy as Juliet and Adam Huff as Romeo.  With a running time of one hour and fifty minutes, there is no better way to spend a warm summer evening in NYC.

The play opens with the typical Shakespearian actor speaking the prologue.  He/she is briskly pushed off the stage by the cast of characters boisterously setting up the tension between the feuding families, immediately creating an atmosphere of aggression and danger.  The party scene where Romeo first lays eyes on Juliet is glorious.  The attraction between Ms. Darcy’s Juliet and Mr. Huff’s Romeo is stunningly playful.  The balcony scene which follows is charming, filled with the eager and youthful yearnings of two teens discovering their feelings.  The final scene in the crypt is emotionally effective.  Ms. Darcy and Mr. Huff deliver genuine and tender performances.

Adam Huff & Anwen Darcy
Photoc courtesy of The Drilling Company

The cast works as a close-knit ensemble, smoothly transitioning from one scene to the next.  Jack Sochet is commanding as Capulet, Juliet’s father.  Serena Ebony Miller is outstanding as Friar (Sister) Lawrence.  Alessandro Colla delivers a robust Mercutio.  Una Clancy, Samantha Sutliff, Jake Lesh, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, and John Callendo all create strong characters that vibrantly fill the outdoor space.

Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy is dedicated to making Shakespeare accessible and free to the public.  After twenty-five years of producing Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, he is a true master.  Romeo & Juliet runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 PM through July 27.  Take the F train to the Delancey Street stop and walk two blocks to the Clement Soto Velez Cultural Center parking lot on 114 Norfolk Street.  Meet a friend a enjoy a fun, free night of well-done Shakespeare. 

Domenick Danza

Hamlet

Hamlet

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 28, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Celebrating their 24^th year of presenting free Shakespeare on the Lower East Side, The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Hamlet rings fresh, truthful, and alive.  Director Karla Hendrick trimmed down Shakespeare’s book, kept the action flowing, and guided the actors to dive deeply into the characters to deliver genuine performances.  Ms. Hendrick makes some bold and brilliant choices, especially in casting women in roles written for men, adding levels of humor and social commentary not normally seen in Hamlet.

Jane Bradley & Una Clancy
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Hamlet (played by Jane Bradley) is visited by the ghost of his father, King Hamlet (played by Bill Green).  He asks Hamlet to avenge his death.  The King was murdered by his brother, Claudius (played by Robert Arcaro), who then married the anguished Queen, Gertrude (played by Una Clancy).  Claudius now wears the crown and plots to get rid of Hamlet.  Hamlet feigns madness in order to prove the ghost’s message and plan his revenge.  

Jane Bradley is remarkable as Hamlet.  Her melancholy is heartfelt and her madness is cunning.  She takes the audience deeply into Hamlet’s inner thoughts during the soliloquies, bringing nuance and clarity to every word.  Gracie Winchester is charming and coy as Ophelia.  The audience feels for her when she is rejected by Hamlet.  She and Ms. Bradley develop a warm, tender, and truthful connection.  When Hamlet arrives at Ophelia’s burial, Ms. Bradley creates a genuine moment of sorrow and heartache.  

Jane Bradley as Hamlet
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Robert Arcaro and Una Clancy both have a strong presence as Claudius and Gertrude.  Their relationship and position are real, and the tensions between them and Hamlet is tangible.  Elowyn Castle is powerful as Laertes and Ophelia’s mother, Polonia.  The famous advice to Laertes speech is touching and heartfelt.  She then transitions into a political manipulator when playing scenes with Claudius and Gertrude.  John Caliendo delivers an honest performance as Laertes.  The relationship he and Ms. Winchester create as brother and sister is playful and caring.

Aly Byatt and Lulu Fairclough-Stewart bring a humorous aspect to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlets friends from school.  Together the three women have the timing, humor, and bite of set of mean girls.  Strong performances are also delivered by Bill Green, Dan Teachout, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, Niamh Ryan, Colleen Cosgrove, and Margo Tillstrom.

The final performance of Hamlet was July 28.  If you missed it, don’t dismay.  There is one more show in The Drilling Company’s Summer Shakespeare Season.  Macbeth will be performed at Bryant Park on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM from August 24 through September 8.  It is sure to be a great production.  Yes, it is FREE, so don’t miss it!

Domenick Danza

All’s Well That Ends Well

All’s Well That Ends Well

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 15, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

You must see The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of All’s Well That Ends Well.  Director Karla Hendrick has masterfully condensed this Shakespeare comedy down to an enthralling two hours without an intermission.  The show is clear, concise, bold, intelligent, and funny.  Ms. Hendrick’s understanding of pace and timing brought this superb cast to perform as a well-knit ensemble.  Once again, The Drilling Company Shakespeare in the Parking Lot reigns as the best outdoor Shakespeare experience in the city.

Anwen Darcy & Michael Bernstein
Photo courtesy of Shakespeare int he Parking Lot

When Helena (played by Anwen Darcy) is parted from Bertram (played by Adam Huff), she confesses to his mother, the Countess (played by Elowyn Castle) that she is in love with him.  Helena travels to France to find him.  She plans to use the herbs and remedies she inherited from her father to heal the King (played by David Sitler), and in return request he marry her to the man of her choosing.  She is successful in her plan, yet when she chooses Bertram, he is reluctant due to her lower social status.  This calls for another, more cunning plan to change his mind.

Mary Linehan & Elowyn Castle
Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Anwen Darcy and Adam Huff are excellent as Helena and Bertram.  Their chemistry and attraction is strong.  They play the push/pull of Shakespeare’s comic love extremely well.  Mary Linehan reigns as LaVatch, servant to the Countess.  She captures your attention and flirts with your emotions.  She is equally matched by Michael Bernstein as Parolles.  His is bold and energetic.  The scenes they have together are scintillating.  Another amazing duo is Eric Paterniani and Jarrod Bates.  They play numerous roles and are always together.  Their characterizations and comic timing are impeccable.  Elaine Ivy Harris creates a strong willed Diana whose free spiritedness brings the lovers, Helena and Bertram, together in the end (Oops!  Spoiler alert… but this IS a Shakespeare comedy).

Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

All’s Well That Ends Well runs for one more weekend (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 20-22, at 7:00 PM) at the Clemente Cultural & Educational Center Parking Lot.  Check the website for directions (shakespeareintheparkinglot.com). The Drilling Company’s summer season also includes Henry VI Part 3 from July 27 – Aug. 12 at the Parking Lot, and Twelfth Night and The Tempest at Bryant Park.  All these shows are FREE.  Make a plan to see them all!

Domenick Danza

The Merchant of Venice – Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Merchant of Venice – Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

August 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of The Merchant of Venice is vibrant and moving.  Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy and Director Ezra Barnes have assembled a brilliant cast to bring life to this poignant and meaningful Shakespeare play.  This production has the quick and tight pace that is a trademark of The Drilling Company Parking Lot experience.  Shakespeare’s words echo with significance in the open parking lot space.  The strength of this production is the humor, which does not come from joy, but from cunning, trickery, and irony.

Jane Bradley skillfully plays Portia as a strong woman who uses her wit and charm to obtain what she wants, which is to wed Bassanio (played by Adam Huff).  She then uses her intelligence to help him save his friend Antonio (played by James Davies) from the bond held by Shylock (played by Dave Marantz).  She achieves her objective on all accounts, but, along with Nerissa (played by Amanda Cate Fuller) and Jessica (played by Lauriel Friedman), gains nothing more than an understanding that their men are deeply flawed in the ability to live by their word.

Jane Bradley, Dave Marantz, & James Davie
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The theme of the value of your word rings loudly in this production.  Conflicts arise when the men give their word, whether it is in matters of finance, business, or love, and are not willing or able to follow through on it.  It is the women who succeed in following through, yet their place in society does not allow them much credit.  At least their place is higher than that of Shylock, who loses everything, yet is considered saved by the social standard of the time period.

Jane Bradley delivers a powerful and charming performance as Portia.  Dave Marantz portrays Shylock as a solid business man who is broken by the loss of his daughter.  Adam Huff is bold and alluring as Bassanio.  Eric Paterniani is enchanting and commanding as Lancelot.  There are strong performances from James Davies, Amanda Cate Fuller, Aly Bryant, Michael Sazonov, Michael Vincent Carrera, Lauriel Freidman, Warren Jackson, Wayne Willinger, Israel Hillary, and Richard M. Steele.

If you have not read my post about the Shakespeare’s Globe production of The Merchant of Venice at Lincoln Center Festival, please look at my July 22 posting.  Both of these productions are amazing.  They are filled with similarities and differences that are stunning to compare.  Be sure to see this Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production.  It runs for one more weekend, July 12, 13, and 14 at 8:00 PM.  These performances are FREE.  The Parking Lot is located at 114 Norfolk Street (east side of Norfolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets), behind The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center.  Post your comments here and join the conversation about this powerful and relevant classic play.

Domenick Danza

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

July 15, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an updated, fast paced, Lower East Side experience that you MUST see.  Director and designer Kathy Curtiss keeps the action moving and building for a full two hours and twenty minutes without an intermission.  She unifies this relatively large cast with a coherent style and edginess that strikes a chord in the imagination.  Every moment is alive, and Shakespeare’s words ring loud and clear in the expansive outdoor space.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Mary Linehan is charming and feisty as Hermia.  She steals your heart and holds her own against Kathleen Simmonds’ fiery Helena.  Eddie Shields and Brad Frost are daring as Lysander and Demetrius.  These four actors light up the stage.  Their physical antics are keenly staged and skillfully executed.  Warren Jackson and Serena E. Miller are bold and earthy as Oberon and Titania.  Their chemistry is palpable and true.  Drew Valins is mischievous and sly as Puck.  His energy is high and focused.  He takes full advantage of his six foot stature to create a Puck that is unique, genuine, and engaging.  Michael Bernstein’s Egeus is authentic and endearing. 

  

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The rustics are a strong ensemble of skilled and funny actors who make the most of every moment.  Their tale of Pyramus and Thisbe takes place in outer space.  The chink in the wall is an opening in a force field.  The lion is a fierce space beast.  Director Kathy Curtiss’ concept works amazingly well.  The scripted adjustments and spontaneous adlibs are witty and entertaining.  Jarrod Bates takes command as Peter Quince, and Jordan Felter amazes as Bottom.  He is honest, bawdy, sensitive, and hilarious.

This is The Drilling Company’s 22^nd season producing Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, and they keep getting better every year.  Don’t miss this exciting and unique interpretation of A Midsummer Night‘s Dream.  There is one more weekend of performances: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 21, 22, and 23 at 8:00 PM.  The Parking Lot is located at 114 Norfolk Street (east side of Norfolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets), behind The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center.  Their next production, The Merchant of Venice, performs in the same location July 28 through August 14.  It is also sure to be great. 

Domenick Danza

The Drilling Company's Summer Shakespeare Season

Much Ado About Nothing

Bryant Park

June 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

You know the summer is finally here when you find yourself sitting in Bryant Park watching the first production of The Drilling Company’s summer Shakespeare season.  Then it starts to rain.  Yes, the closing night performance of Much Ado About Nothing was rained out about half way through Act II.  The disappointment was high as everyone ran for cover because the production was magical.  Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy is the master of outdoor Shakespeare.  He is a skilled director with a keen insight for how to keep the pace moving, and a focused instinct for great casting. 

McKay Carpenter & Anwen Darcy
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Before it started to rain, the stage was overflowing with enchantment and vitality.  Mary Linehan (as Hero) and Andrew Gombas (as Claudio) were a charming, romantic couple.  The chemistry between McKay Carpenter (as Benedict) and Anwen Darcy (as Beatrice) was fiery and dazzling.  Eric Paterniani’s physical characterization of Conrad was boldly inventive and humorous.  Michael Bernstein’s comic timing delivered a playful Borachio.  Drew Valins created a strong Don Pedro.  Brandon Reilly was charming and endearing as Don John. 

The rain might have prevented the last chance I had to see Much Ado About Nothing, but The Drilling Company has four additional productions coming up this summer.  As You Like It (July 21 - 23) and Measure for Measure (September 1 - 18) will be at Bryant Park.  This marks their third summer partnering with Bryant Park Presents.  Shakespeare in the Parking Lot will celebrate its 21^st year with A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 7 – 24) and The Merchant of Venice (July 28 – August 14) at the Clemente Cultural Center parking lot (114 Norfolk Street).  All performances are FREE, and are sure to be great experiences.  Check out their website for performance times and details, and enjoy the best summer Shakespeare New York has to offer.  

 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Domenick Danza

Macbeth

Macbeth

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

August 1, 2015

Photo courtesy of
The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company is batting a thousand this summer with their twenty-first season of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot.  Macbeth opened on July 30 in the parking lot behind The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center (located at 114 Norfolk Street - east side of Norfolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets).  The production, directed by Jesse Ontiveros, had a very strong and haunting opening weekend.  It has a limited run, so don’t miss it.

Dan Teachout is solid as Macbeth.  His guilt-ridden downward spiral into destruction is clear and complex.  As Lady Macbeth, Sheri Graubert portrays an insatiable hunger for power that leads to obscure madness.  Together these two actors lead the audience into the depths of Shakespeare’s most haunting play.  Other strong performances are Lucas Calzado as Malcolm, Veronica Cruz as Lady Macduff, Kineta Kunutu as Hecate, and, for most needed comic relief, Bill Green as the drunken Porter. 

Macbeth (Dan Teachout) and the Witches
(Gracie Winchester, Kineta Kunutu, and Llewie Nunez)
Photo by Jonathan Slaff and courtesy of The Drilling Company

Costumes, by Lisa Renee Jordan, and set, by Leontine Greenberg, are simple and effective.  Sound design, by Anna Grossman, adds just the right texture needed to transform the informal parking lot into a dark castle, a witch’s forest, and a bloody battlefield.

Macbeth runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 PM through August 15.  Admission is FREE, so get there!  The final show of the Shakespeare in the Parking Lot season will be The Taming of the Shrew at Bryant Park September 4 – 20.  Mark your calendars!  It is sure to be another classic sensation from The Drilling Company.

Domenick Danza

As You Like It

As You Like It

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 11, 2015

Photo courtesy of
The Drilling Company

There is only one thing better than free outdoor Shakespeare in New York City, and that is free outdoor Shakespeare produced by The Drilling Company and performed in the middle of a New York City parking lot.  As You Like It marked the opening of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot’s twentieth season and was greeted with an enthusiastic audience reaction.  The Drilling Company consistently and successfully creates an intimate performing venue in an open, public space where everyone can experience and appreciate the poetry of classic theatre.

Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy is an expert in making Shakespeare accessible in this informal setting.  He has gathered together an extremely skilled ensemble of sixteen actors who bring heart and soul to this venture.  Highlights are Jane Bradley’s Rosalind paired with Ahmed A. Kouddous’ Orlando, and matched by Elaine Ivy Harris’ Celia.  Scott Baker delivers a touching Seven Ages of Man Speech, while Bill Green depicts tenderness in the manservant Adam.  Alessandro Colla and Hayley Louise Simmonds are both vibrant as Touchstone and Audrey.  Eric Paterniani will

The cast of As you Like It
Photos courtesy of The Drilling Company

make you laugh as both LeBeau and William.  Brandon Reilly’s idealistic Silvius plays well against Rachel Collins’ vivacious Phoebe.  All in all, the cast is astounding.

For those of you who have experienced Shakespeare in the Parking Lot before, you need to know they have changed locations.  The new parking lot is behind The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center (located at 114 Norfolk Street - east side of Norfolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets).  As You Like It runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 PM through July 25, followed by three weeks of Macbeth.  The Drilling Company is also

Shakespeare in the parking Lot
Photo courtesy of Eric Paterniani

producing Romeo & Juliet at Bryant Park from July 17 through August 2.  All performances are FREE!  Take advantage of these great opportunities to see quality work by a quality company.

Domenick Danza