by Mary Rupert
Alcott Arts Center, 180 S. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan., is preparing for its eighth annual Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production.
The romantic comedy, “Love’s Labour’s Lost” will be presented at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and will continue Sept. 13, 19 and 20. It is about two-and-a-half hours in length.
Three actors from the community, Tyler Young, Jeff Shouse and Sharla Nolte, are among the cast who will perform in the play, said Chris Green, executive director of the Alcott Arts Center.
It will be the second Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production for the play’s director, Susan Proctor, and the first time Alcott has performed “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” she said.
The story line: The King of Navarre and three of his lords make an agreement to wait three years before falling in love. During that time they are supposed to pursue their studies.
“But the whole plan is thrown awry when the princess arrives with her ladies,” Green said. “There’s an unexpected twist.”
The play is suitable for all ages. Admission is $5 per person and nonperishable items to be given to the Center of Hope food pantry.
Green said Proctor, who is the theater director for Rockhurst University, asked to direct the Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production last year.
About eight Rockhurst University students will be helping with the show, she added.
Green is hoping the weather forecast for Saturday remains the same – about 70 degrees and no rain.
The actors will be wearing period costumes and it’s nice that the forecast doesn’t call for sweltering heat. If there is rain, the event could be moved inside to the theater on the top floor, she added. The Alcott is not yet ADA accessible, she added.
Green said Shakespeare in the Parking Lot should attract a good crowd.
“People look forward to it,” she said. “We have our regulars that come every year. It’s nice to have our followers.”
Also at the Alcott on Sept. 12 will be an art exhibition by Ramona Sheely. There will be a reception at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Alcott for Sheely, whose works are in multimedia, and who works with wood, metals, painting and collages.
Sheely, a Kansas City, Mo., resident, has a modern style, Green said. Her art has been like a second career for her, she said. The exhibit will run through Sept. 30.
The Alcott Arts Center also is planning an art exhibit and fundraiser in October, Lifelines with the Vala Gallery artists and performers, Green said.
There will be an art project from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 for Halloween, at $5 per person for all ages.
Also planned is a Halloween trick-or-treat with a rock concert afterward at the Alcott Center, she said.