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Theater Talk: Shakespeare in Delaware Park

ROMEO AND JULIET, the tragedy by Shakespeare presented by Shakespeare in Delaware Park, opened at “Shakespeare Hill” in Delaware Park and runs Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30pm through July 12. While Peter still naively clings to the notion that this is a romance, Anthony reminds us that it is a tragedy, played out by a number of mercurial characters, not just Mercutio. Take a blanket or jacket and something to sit on; and, in the best Shakespearean tradition, refreshments may be purchased on-site and consumed during the performance (from which the phrase “The Peanut Gallery” comes).

LORD ARTHUR SAVILE’S CRIME, a comedy by Constance Cox ("Forsyth Saga") adapted from the short story by Oscar Wilde, which despite the word “crime” in the title, is in the best English-drawing-room-comedy tradition. A dopey upper class twit, his bungling butler, an imperious future mother-in-law (think “Lady Bracknell” and “The Dowager Countess” on steroids) and an-over-the-top mad bomber are just some of the characters who had the audience laughing. With masterful direction from Josephine Hogan and a very talented cast, it’s at The Irish Classical Theatre Company through June 28.

THE WILD PARTY, the musical by Andrew Lippa, presented by Second Generation Theatre, directed by Michael Walline, is at The New Phoenix Theatre through June 28th. Anthony regrets that the minor characters, who also make up the chorus and the dancers, are not fleshed out as individuals, and that the cast may be a bit young for people who are supposed to be looking for a way (a wild party) out of ennui. But both Peter and Anthony agree that the choreography is snappy and that you will be razzle-dazzled by the action.

Closings this weekend include EMOTIONAL CREATURE at the Manny Fried Playhouse, but only through Saturday night, while you have one more day, Father’s Day, to see FLOWERS IN THE DESERT at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center; LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, at the Lancaster Opera House; and SECRETS EVERY SMART TRAVELER SHOULD KNOW (The New Musical Comedy Revue), presented by Buffalo Chrysalis Theatre Company, at Hamburg’s Grange Theatre.

As you plan your summer, don’t forget July openings for OUR TOWN, the classic play by Thornton Wilder, at Chautauqua, and SISTERS OF SWING: THE ANDREWS SISTERS MUSICAL at Musicalfare.

Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.