El Rio Theatre Project

One of the odd things that I've found over the years, is that many people don't go to plays. I find it strange, because plays have an immediacy that movies and most other venues don't have. Think of the difference between a concerts and listing to a CD. The concert is a lot more fun, right? With a play you have similar dynamics going on. Performers giving their all, to tell a story, and that really comes across in the play. With movies, there are plenty of chances for retakes when someone flubs there lines or misses a cue. Not so with live theatre. The performers must be right on, the first time and every time. So why don't people go to plays? I think that many people think they are too expensive, or perhaps not accessible enough, or maybe they are not sure what to expect, I really am not sure.

Fortunately, for whatever the reason, Tucson does have an answer and it it's going on right now. On weekend nights through October 12th, The El Rio Theatre Project is performing one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays: Hamlet. For a $5 donation (and no one is turned away if you don't have the donation), you can watch Hamlet in the open air ampitheater in Himmel park. We went last night and happen to think that the El Rio Troupe did an excellent job with perhaps Shakespeare's most famous play. For those that think Shakespeare is had to follow, you really should see this play. The story is straightforward, the language is not filled with thees and thous, instead it contains some of Shakespeares most memorable lines: To be or not to be..., A method in his madness..., Something rotten in the state of Denmark..., and so on.

So before it's gone, make sure to head on down to Himmel park and check out Shakespeare under the stars. Bring a blanket to sit on. Bring a picnic. And bring $5 per person to show your support. You may find that live theatre is, indeed, a lot of fun.