Free Shakespeare in the Park in Asheville: It's a Mid-Summer's Night Dream!

Whither wander you on a midsummer's night? 

How about wandering on over to Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre located on 100 Gay Street in Asheville and experience free Shakespeare in the Park courtesy of the Montford Park Players. It's a great way to spend a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night during your stay in Asheville.

Here's a little history about the Montford Park Players. Their underlying purpose is to bring Shakespeare and other classic plays to the mountains of Western North Carolina. They see Shakespeare as an important part of their common heritage and set out to make his plays available for everyone to experience, free of charge. For the past thirty-nine years they have been providing quality productions of classic plays in an authentic outdoor setting. They see this as fulfilling a vital role in the performing arts community.

A Midsummer's Night Dream is currently running through July 21 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings beginning at 7:30p.m.

This Shakespearean comedy portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors who are manipulated by the fairies that inhabit the forest. It's a crowd-pleaser for both adults and children alike. There is a "Cutest Dog Contest" every Saturday night at intermission. The winning dog makes a stage debut as "this dog, my dog" in the final act!

Can't make it for here for this performance? Not to worry, the 2012 season is in full swing and offers a variety of performances throughout the summer. Be sure to check out the 2012 season schedule for details.

Now that you've added the Montford Park Players to your Asheville itinerary, 

here are a few more helpful hints:

• The performances are free, but if you'd like to support the theatre a $5 donation can be contributed during intermission.
• Feel free to bring a picnic meal to enjoy before the performance. Or, visit the concession stand which offers candy, snacks, and beverages. There is a food truck at the entrance of the amphitheatre on most nights.
• Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on or lawn chairs may be rented and blankets may be purchased at the concessions stand. Call the box office at 828-254-5146 at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a lawn chair in the best seating area for only $2 per person.
• You might want to bring bug spray, an umbrella or poncho (in case of a light rain), and a sweater, wrap, or light jacket since summer nights can get chilly in the mountains.
• Speaking of rain, performances usually continue on through drizzle but may be delayed during rain storms. Performances are only cancelled during extended major downpours and electric storms.
• Public restrooms are available near the entrance and at the Asheville Masonic Lodge.
• Pets are welcome, just be considerate of others.

We hope you're as excited as we are about Shakespeare in the Park! We hope to see you there.

Don't forget if you're visiting us here over July 4th, read about some great Fourth of July activities to add to your itinerary, too.

Have you experienced a performing arts production during a visit to Asheville? Tell us about it. We always love hearing from you!