Shakespeare at The Old Globe

Columnist - Theresa Layne

We are in the heart of the summer and if you are like me, you feel it rushing by at 100 miles an hour! Well, here is - the end all summer theatre event that you simply won’t want to miss. The Old Globe Theater’s Shakespeare line- up.

The Old Globe is located in Balboa Park. They have three theaters, one of which is outdoors. Each year this adorable space mounts three Shakespeare productions in repertory through Sept. 26. This year they are doing “The Madness of Kind George III”, “King Lear” and “The Taming of the Shrew”. Now I am fairly versed in Shakespeare, but I am not going to lie to you, I struggle with it too. So, here are a few tips on how to enjoy an evening of Shakespeare:

First pick a show, maybe even one you recognize like, “Taming of the Shrew”. Get onto sparknotes.com, and yes I did just tell you to use Spark Notes…don’t tell your English Lit teacher! Read over the plot summary and character’s names prior to attending the show. You will not understand everything that you hear, and don’t try to, just sit back and allow your eyes and ears to take in this beautiful poetry and language and pick up on what you can and let the rest go. I guarantee you will have a GREAT time and feel very English afterwards.

Did you know that the movie “Ten Things I Hate About You” uses Shakespeare’s plot from “Taming of the Shrew”. Also, there is an incredible movie version with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor that you could rent or download from Netflix to watch a few days before going to the live show. The Burton/Taylor film is a scaled down version of the entire play, and I don’t think watching it will ruin anything for you.

NOW FOR THE Discounts!!!!!

If you are under 30 years old, you can see each play for $20!! Select their $20 Under 30 Program on the website for details.

They also offer a limited number of $29 tickets for select performances. These tickets are purchased on a first-come,first-served basis and are available as soon as single tickets go on sale. Discounts are also available for most performances for active duty military, senior citizens and students with valid I.D. For more information, contact Globe Ticket Services at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623) x1.

Visit theoldglobe.org for detailed dates and times.

To find out more about my background, visit theresalayne.com