News Release
Summer concert series expanded with four theatre performances
03/13/2009
Have a flair for the dramatic? The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District could have just what you’re looking for this summer.
THPRD’s ever-expanding lineup of free outdoor concerts has been bolstered by the addition of two Shakespeare theatre productions, two contemporary plays and one concert for the 2009 season. It is the first time the district has offered theatre as part of its popular Concert in the Park series, now entering its sixth year.
In all, the schedule now includes 12 dates, an increase from nine in 2008 and doubling the number of performances the year before that.
The series covers parks across THPRD’s 50-square-mile service area, including four new sites. Last year, more than 8,700 people joined friends and neighbors to enjoy the free entertainment and sample the outstanding and wide-ranging musical talent of nationally and internationally known performers.
The addition of free theatre promises to bring a whole new level of enjoyment. On June 27, Portland Actors Ensemble will present “King Lear” at Autumn Ridge Park. The traditional theatre production features wardrobe, props, language and style reflecting Shakespearean times.
On July 11 at Somerset West Park, the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival will present “A Midsommer Nights Dreame” in an Original Practice format, a first for the West Coast. The production replicates the performance conditions of Shakespeare’s day with contemporary costumes, minimal sets and a high level of audience participation.
The contemporary plays will be performed back-to-back on July 18 at Schiffler Park. A children’s play, “Slue Foot Sue and Pecos Bill,” will be followed by a production for all ages, “A Bad Year for Tomatoes.” The plays will be sponsored by THPRD in partnership with the Central Beaverton Neighborhood Association Committee and will include several follow-up performances at the Beaverton City Library.
Except for the contemporary plays, which will start at 11 a.m., all of the concerts and theatre performances will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. The opening date will be the Garden Home Park concert June 25. The final concert will be Aug. 11 at Carolwood Park. More information on all of the concerts, including scheduled performers, will be coming in June. More information on the concert and theatre series can be found at www.thprd.org/events/summerconcerts.cfm.
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving more than 200,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages. Offerings include a wide variety of classes and more than 200 park sites, 40 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,100 acres of nature preserve. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
Dates and locations for THPRD’s 2009 Summer Concert in the Park series:
June 25, 6-8 p.m., Garden Home Park (concert)
June 27, 6-8 p.m., Autumn Ridge Park (theatre)
July 2, 6-8 p.m., Hazeldale Park (concert)
July 9, 6-8 p.m., Arnold Park (concert)
July 11, 6-8 p.m., Somerset West Park (theatre)
July 12, 6-8 p.m., Center Street Park (concert)
July 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m., Schiffler Park (theatre)
July 28, 6-8 p.m., Raleigh Park (concert)
July 30, 6-8 p.m., Greenway Park (concert)
Aug. 2, 6-8 p.m., Kaiser Woods Park (concert)
Aug. 6, 6-8 p.m., Cedar Mill Park (concert)
Aug. 11, 6-8 p.m., Carolwood Park (concert)
| Contact: Bob Wayt Director – Communications 503/614-1218 (direct) 503/686-5134 (cell) |
Date: March 13, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Click here for official release (PDF). |
