« Brakettes game proves to be a big hit | Main | Twain house in Hartford still the place to be »

August 3, 2006

Free Shakespeare tradition continues

By Tracy Deer
I started going to Bridgeport Free Shakespeare at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport three years ago, thanks to a Shakespeare-loving co-worker. I was reluctant because Shakepeare has always been tough for me to understand, especially without the Cliffs Notes close at hand. I remember meeting her there, sharing a light dinner and conversation before the performance, and instantly falling in love with the atmosphere once the sun went down and the actors began working their magic. I was hooked.

This year, that co-worker has moved to Paris and it was up to me to continue my newfound tradition. I corralled a handful of friends to join me for this year's Bridgeport Free Shakespeare's seventh season performance of Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac."

"Cyrano de Bergerac?" you ask. That's not Shakespeare! Well, Free Shakespeare Director Ellen Lieberman included in the program the comments of early 20th century theatre critic and dramatist Clayton Hamilton, who said, "Rostand was like Shakespeare in one respect at least; for he wrote not of an age but for all time." Lieberman went on to say that "this play, as with Shakespeare's plays, has a romantic universality that continues to affect audiences all over the world."

I was actually happy that "Cyrano'' was on the bill because I already knew the story.

I arrived at 6:45 p.m. with beach chair, blanket and take-out dinner in hand. We enjoyed our dinners and settled in as the sun went down and one of the actors came onstage promptly at 8 to make a few pre-show announcements. Directly behind him onstage stood one of the many peacocks that regally saunter around the grounds during the performance. The audience is usually fascinated by them until they start their distinctive squawking. Upon hearing it for the first time, one of my friends was convinced that the ungodly sound came from a child being beaten. The peacocks' behavior and presence adds to the charm of the whole experience.

For approximately two hours, I was brought back in time to 1897 and the world of Cyrano de Bergerac, the passionate, poetic, witty, strong yet sensitive swashbuckler with the large proboscis. And the actors appeared to be enjoying the show as much as we were.

Complete with music, witty rhythmic dialogue, sword fighting and, of course, the well-known love story, the performance was a delightful experience. The set design was great, too, along with the dramatic, colorful lighting that turned the surrounding landscape into what seemed like a fairyland.

Even the intermission was fun. The cast members sang humorous songs with clever lyrics that gingerly solicited donations for BFS. As the performers made their way around with buckets in hand, they graciously accepted any money that came their way. When the performance was over, the entire cast came out into the audience to thank everyone.

It was a simple and thoughtful gesture that became the cherry on top of a very special evening. And I didn't even need bug spray. The Beardsley Zoo's Picnic Grove opens at 6:30 p.m. for people to enjoy picnic dinners and the show begins at 8 p.m. The zoo itself is not open for touring during the evening. This week's final performances of "Cyrano" run tonight and Friday. For more detailed information on the show, log onto www.bridgeportfreeshakespeare.org or call 393-3213

Posted by getout on August 3, 2006 12:02 PM