Optimist Theatre Presents: Shakespeare in the City at Optimist Theatre

Optimist Theatre's Shakespeare in the City is running four shows, plus Shakespeare-themed theatre games and music at outdoor locations across Milwaukee this June & July. Each date features multiple offerings!

On Saturdays and Sundays, come out and join us for a rotating schedule of:

• Hamlet, 100% produced by Optimist Theatre, directed by former Door Shakespeare Artistic Director Michael Stebbins and 100% Shakespeare. This one-person production will star SitP favorite Ms Libby Amato. Ms Amato portrays.... everyone. (90 minute run time)
• Another Midsummer Night’s Dream, an original piece written and directed by Milwaukee Playwright Liz Shipe and performed by The Available Players. Pick up with Puck and Peaseblossom where 'Midsummer' ends. What have they really done?
  From the Writer/Director: Puck & Peaseblossom from William Shakespeare's classic are caught in a bind. They must prove to the Fairy Queen that Puck has a positive influence on love in the mortal world or else he'll spend the next 100 years as a donkey in this outdoor, audience interactive show.
  (80 minute run time).
• The Comedy of Romeo and Juliet: Kinda Sorta, written and directed by Patrick Schmitz and performed by the Schmitz 'n Giggles Shakesparody Players. Purists may be enraged at first but stick with it for about 60 seconds. Clever wordplay even more cleverly delivered on a tarnished silver platter.
  From the Writer/Director: Faithful to the original script, the greatest love story of all time is told yet again...kinda sorta. When an over-dramatic, lovesick, crybaby Romeo falls in love with straight-faced Juliet from a rival family, forbidden love (and comedy) ensues. A retelling of the original story with contemporary language and comedic bite.
  (90 minute run time);
• Macbeth presented by Pocket Park Puppet Players and as can only be accomplished by puppets. Think puppets with knives. This production is also almost 100% Shakespeare and yet you might never realize it. Unlike our other shows, Macbeth is designed to play in small spaces. (45 minute run time) 
• The PLAY’s the Thing, our series of Shakespeare-focused theatre games. If you're up for getting up on your feet to have some fun, give it a go! Absolutely no experience with Shakespeare required. (20 to 45 minutes at a go.)

All performances are free, but you may wish to reserve a spot in advance!
For full details and registration info, visit www.optimisttheatre.org/2024season.html