Actors Delight Local Audience As Tour Returns
Temperatures were bumping 100 degrees and it was already a long day for the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ summer tour members, but they were incredibly excited to act in front of the crowd in Wolf Point.
The program, celebrating its 49th season, entertained a good turnout of audience members with the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream
on Thursday, July 1.
Wolf Point was the fourth stop for this summer’s acting company. Previous performances were in Hobson, Lewistown and Malta. Actor Riley O’Toole said the group will cover 6,400 miles and reach 62 communities during the tour that finishes on Sept. 9.
“We’re still learning. We’re still experiencing new challenges,” said Mikey Gray, who portrays Imogen, Hermia, Starveling and the Lion in the comedy.
Although the performance is delightful to take part in, daily work for the company at site begins with putting up the stage and that task requires between three and four hours.
“It’s really enjoyable, because we are all such good humans,” Gray said of erecting the stage. “We’re actors first, but this is part of the day.”
She thanks community members for providing Gatorade, water and ice on Thursday. The actors even got a chance for a quick dip into Wolf Point’s swimming pool.
The Wolf Point Shakespeare in the Parks’ coordinators and volunteers were Vivian Schultz, Barbara Olson, Janet Armstrong Shefelbine, Vic Shefelbine, Martin Kloster, Otto Osen, Jacob Boysun and Charlene Allmer.
The performances are happening after Montana Shakespeare in the Park canceled in-person shows last summer due to COVID concerns.
“I feel so astounding lucky to be doing this, especially after the past year,” Gray said. “We’re so grateful.”
The acting company also is performing Cymbeline in some of the participating communities.
“They are both great,” O’Toole said after the two plays The Wolf Point audience members found themselves laughing to the comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
during the performance held at the Faith Home lawn.
“There’s a lot for everyone in it, and it’s great to do,” O’Toole said of the comedy. “Who can’t identify with the adventures of love?”
