Free L.A.: Last Chance for Shakespeare in Griffith Park This Weekend

We finally made it to the Independent Shakespeare Co.'s free Shakespeare in Griffith Park (on the grounds of the old zoo, next to Shane's Inspiration park) last weekend, in time to see one of the final performances of "Much Ado About Nothing."



The free Shakespeare in Griffith Park has taken place since 2004. The "Much Ado" adaptation, set in 1945, was well-done, with sharp performances, some musical interludes and playful use of the audience. We brought along a picnic, and although it was a bit too long for the kids (thank goodness we had our phones for them to play with when they got antsy), I'm glad we got there. And best of all, of course, is it's free! (Donations, of course, are encouraged.)

Now it's your turn. The final performances of the summer are this weekend: "Romeo and Juliet" tonight and Sunday, plus Symphony in the Glen on Saturday. Details on "Romeo and Juliet":

Adolescent bliss spins out of control in this imaginative staging of the most famous love story ever told. This new adaptation incorporates an original rock score and design that is equal parts fairy tale and punk. A live band and athletic performances create a Romeo and Juliet that explodes off the Griffith Park stage.

More details about the organization:

ISC relocated to Los Angeles in 2001, producing several productions in small venues. In 2003, we partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles to produce Free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park. The first performance of the outdoor, free festival was attended by 14 people and a dog. By 2009, the summer festival performed for nearly 12,000 patrons, outgrowing Barnsdall Park.

2010 marked the start of a new chapter in our history: the summer festival moved to Griffith Park. It’s an ideal spot. It’s truly the park that’s for all Los Angeles, our stage is built in the gently sloping natural amphitheater of the Old Zoo, and the nights are peaceful. The 2014 season was our most successful yet: we performed for more than 43,000 people. The Festival has grown to include more than Shakespeare performances. Audiences enjoy pre-show performances by a variety of local artists, we host the Salon Series (conversations about the intersection of Shakespeare and contemporary culture), and families can attend pre-show workshops about the plays. All of our summer events are entirely free.

Go here for more information.

See It Before It's Too Late: "For The Record: Baz Luhrmann"

(Pics via Tracy St. Pierre)

There's nothing quite like For The Record: Baz Luhrmann, which was originally scheduled to end last weekend, but instead -- due to popular demand -- has been extended through mid-November. The live show takes place inside Los Feliz's intimate Rockwell restaurant, which means the action and the music takes place all around you: On a runway in the middle of the room, on the bar, in the back -- perhaps even above you.

The elaborate and well-produced show melds music from some of Luhrmann's most popular features, including "Moulin Rouge," "Romeo + Juliet," "Strictly Ballroom" and "The Great Gatsby."

Here's how the "For The Record" team describes it: "This concert celebrates the music from Luhrmann’s homage to the major theatrical conventions of Dance (Strictly Ballroom), Poetry (Romeo and Juliet) and Song (Moulin Rouge). Play list includes Lovefool, Kissing You, When Doves Cry, Love Is In The Air, Time After Time, Come What May, Your Song, Roxanne, Children Of The Revolution, Rhythm Of The Night and more."

Past "For the Record" treatments have included shows devoted to John Hughes, Tarantino and Coen Bros. movies. But perhaps because of how he completely reimagines popular songs and twists them into his own worlds, the Luhrmann show has resonated the loudest.

The show we saw included Rumer Willis in the cast, but several performers impressed. Rockwell also offers a full menu for dinner and drinks before and during the show. Check here for ticketing.

Get Your Free Theater Tix While You Can

The national Free Night of Theatre campaign has made its way to Los Angeles, and free tix to local shows are still available.

Check here to see what shows are still available for free. Many of the more popular plays are already sold out, but others aren't. And there are shows going into early November available.

Some details on the promotion:

Free Night of Theater (FNOT) is the annual national audience development program to attract new theatergoers to America’s professional not-for-profit theatres. Since the Theatre Communications Group (TCG) launched the pilot program in 2005, Free Night of Theater has increased in scope and participation each year. This year will be the largest Free Night of Theater celebration since its inception in San Francisco, expanding to over 700 companies and attracting 75,000 new theatergoers from coast to coast.

Brad Erickson, Executive Director of Theatre Bay Area says, “The demand for live theatre—when it's made accessible to all—is overwhelming. We're bringing in new audiences—young people, people of color, people from all walks of life—and they are coming back for more. Free Night of Theater has thrown the doors of our theatres open wide."

The National Free Night of Theater now takes place in 120 cities across the country.