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Theater Talk

Theater Talk: Director Kyle LoConti and Shakespeare in Delaware Park's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S WALK

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published July 9, 2021 at 6:30 AM EDT
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L-R Steve Brachmann as "Flute," Mike Garvey as "Peter Quince" (aka "Wall"), Todd Benzin as "Bottom"
Peter Hall
L-R Steve Brachmann as "Flute," Mike Garvey as "Peter Quince" (aka "Wall"), Todd Benzin as "Bottom"

Director Kyle LoConti takes us "behind the curtain" (if there were a curtain) to talk about A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S WALK (through August 12) presenting five scenes from Shakespeare's play, all acted in the "Rumsey Woods" area of Delaware Park. In order to get the actors to their places for five different walking groups, she said "It was completely about the clock and the Excel spread sheet."

As "Queen Titania" (Robyn Horn) sleeps, her fairies keep watch in the air (Morgan Mincer and Reagan Zuber)
Peter Hall
As "Queen Titania" (Robyn Horn) sleeps, her fairies keep watch in the air (Morgan Mincer and Reagan Zuber)

The five scenes adapted from A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM are presented in the "Rumsey Woods" (between Rumsey Road and Hoyt Lake close to "Shakespeare Hill). Upon arrival at look for the swag wagon (tee-shirts, mugs, and other tchotchkes for sale) at the top of the hill. You will then be directed to the starting area where your guide (one of three actors playing "Puck") will begin your groups tour. It's about a half mile walk.

Director Kyle LoConti
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
/
Shakespeare in Delaware Park website
Director Kyle LoConti

Performance tours are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and begin at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 p.m.
Tours are limited to 25 participants per group. Please contact Sean Crawford at mgmt@shakespeareindelawarepark.org for large group accommodation.

Before you go, you might want to donate the "Family Friendly Guide" (think Playbill with fun games and insider information) here.

And for many more pictures, visit Anthony's blog "Theater Talk Buffalo" here.

As if the activity in the park weren't enough, this summer's second offering SHAKESPEARE & LOVE begins tonight, July 9, and runs concurrent with the "WALK" and has shows Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, July 9 through August 22 at venues throughout Western New York as follows:
7/9 - Parkside Lodge, Buffalo
7/10 - Hamburg Town Park, Hamburg
7/11 - Veterans Park Complex, West Seneca
7/15 - Orchard Park Recreation Department, Orchard Park
7/16 - Show Mobile - Aquatic & Fitness Center, Town of Tonawanda
7/17 - Cazenovia Park, Buffalo
7/18 - Freedom Run Winery, Lockport
7/23 - Oxford Park, Lancaster
7/24 - Galanti Park, Lackawanna
7/25 - Academy Park, Lewiston
7/30 - Raymond Klimek Veterans Park, North Tonawanda
7/31 - Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve, Hamburg
8/1 - Orchard Park Gazebo, Orchard Park
8/6 - Bassett Park, Amherst
8/7 - Niawanda Park, City of Tonawanda
8/8 - Hamlin Park, East Aurora
8/13 - Golden Age Center, Grand Island
8/14 - Locust Street Neighborhood Art, Buffalo
8/15 - Parkside Lodge, Buffalo

2021
Anthony Chase
Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.
See stories by Anthony Chase
Peter Hall
Even though "semi-retired," Peter Hall continues to wear many hats. He is the Sunday afternoon host on WBFO’s “sister station,” WNED Classical where he has produced over 1,000 radio interviews with musical artists. If you see him at a theater with a pen in his hand, he’s probably getting ready to co-host “Theater Talk” with Anthony Chase (heard Friday mornings at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on WBFO) or to write a review for www.buffalorising.com. He is also a member of the "Artie Awards" committee (think “Tony Awards for Buffalo theaters”).
See stories by Peter Hall
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