Get out your picnic baskets. Shakespeare in the Park starts July 17!

It’s family fun at its best – a little culture, a picnic dinner, maybe a slice of pie… and a relaxing evening in the park with the kids. Each play begins at 7 p.m.,  rain or shine. That’s right – so prepare thyselves!

Where? Lynndale Park Amphitheater, 18827 72nd Ave W, Lynnwood.

Cost? FREE – suggested donation $5

You won’t want to miss the great line-up of plays this year, so whip out your calendars and mark these dates now! Oh, and to kick off a really great season, Umpqua Bank will be providing free ice cream on July 17.

July 17 & 18 – HENRY V – A young, untried king tests his mettle in battle against overwhelming odds. His army dispirited and outnumbered, his conscience unsure of his cause or his abilities, the young King Henry learns that leadership is far more than just being the one with the crown. Performed by Wooden O.

July 24 & 25 – THE TEMPEST – Shakespeare’s magical tale where revenge yields to forgiveness. Exiled by his younger brother and marooned on an enchanted island with his daughter, the aging sorcerer Prospero discovers the human heart wields a greater power than all the spells at his command. Performed by Wooden O.

Aug. 1 – KING LEAR – Aged King Lear is ready to give up the throne and divvy up the kingdom among his three daughters. But Lear’s idea to hold a flattery-fest to determine which of the offspring gets the biggest and best chunk of land goes horribly awry. In addition to the scheming heiresses there are others at court intent on power-grabbing and double-crossing. Mix in bit of insanity, and you’ve got trouble. Find out who picks up the pieces in Shakespeare’s tragic tale of palace intrigue. Performed by GreenStage.

Aug 8 – A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – There’s something for everyone cavorting in the enchanted forest of Athens in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Faries, elves, sprites, star-crossed lovers, dukes and duchesses, and a motley band of actors get into all sorts of mischief with their magic love potions, madcap schemes, and amorous intentions. Plus, there’s a guy who gets turned into a donkey! We adore a good love story, don’t you? Performed by GreenStage  https://www.greenstage.org/

Be sure to arrive early to stake out your perfect place before the play starts. Bring a blanket or cushion to sit on, extra layers in case you get chilly – and some bug repellant might come in handy, too. Have fun!

— By Kathleen Moore

Kathleen Moore received her BA in art from West Texas A& M University and has studied painting at the Bruchion School in Los Angeles and Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. She taught art and art history at Edmonds Heights and mentors painting students from her Lynnwood studio. Her work can be viewed at www.KathleenMoore.com