A walk in the park Fenix Theatre Company gives audiences twice the entertainment in Deering Oaks this summer.
Last summer's production of "Twelfth Night" was such a hit for Fenix Theatre Company, producing artistic director Rob Cameron decided this was the year to present two plays -- at the same time.
Beginning tonight, Fenix opens the early Shakespeare comedy, "Love's Labor's Lost." On Friday, Fenix opens the Samuel Beckett absurdist classic, "Waiting for Godot."
Both will be presented for free in Deering Oaks Park in Portland. "Love's Labor's Lost" will be staged near the wading pool, and "Godot" will be performed at the bridge.
While Fenix has produced two shows in one summer season before, this marks the first time the company has attempted two shows running in repertory, as well as its first non-Shakespeare title.
The production was sharp, funny and decadently nimble, with actors popping out of bushes and from behind rocks and mingling with the audience before making an entrance. The actors seemed to thrive on the outdoors environment, and their embrace of the setting made for a fun night of theater.
The hope is that this summer will be twice the fun. As always, the audience is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics.
" Cameron will direct the show, which stars David Butler, Matt Delamater, Daniel Noel, Johnny Speckman and Lucas Cuellar.
In some ways, Shakespeare's "Love's Labor's Lost" falls into the same category. A lot of folks know the title -- though it is frequently misspelled because of the second apostrophe -- but few have seen a production of the play.
Shakespeare wrote it at about the same time he wrote "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Sally Wood directs a cast of 14 for the Fenix production. In recent summers, the company has produced "The Taming of the Shrew," "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night" -- classics all, and all comedies.