Theatre in the Great Outdoors

Lighthearted fare, a cool breeze, and friends will put a smile on your face

By Jillian Owens
September 20, 2013

Fall is in the air!  We still have a few days before it’s official, but the leaves are already turning, grocery stores are peddling pumpkins, and you might want to grab a light sweater before you head out for the evening.  This is the one time of year when I don’t bitterly hate being outside!

With this delightful change in temperature comes one of my favorite outdoor activities, Theatre in the park!  There are a couple of local theatre companies that do this.  SC Shakespeare Company has an entirely outdoor season, and High Voltage Theatre has been known to put on a fun Halloween show every October. 

The other night, I met up with friends at Finlay Park, not for a rousing game of Ultimate Frisbee, but for a free performance of Carlo Goldini’s  A Servant of Two Masters by the SC Shakespeare Company!

 
Ah!  Look at those delightfully crunchy leaves!

As we approached the amphitheater from the back parking lot, we saw a few of the actors milling about.

 
Behind the Scenes!

As we took our seats, we checked out the scenery.

 
Finlay Park has been transformed into an Italian village!  

As we enjoyed the farcical lighthearted fare of this production, I couldn’t help but think how good it feels to get out under some trees at night.  With a lightly cool breeze and friends, it certainly put a smile on my face.

Did you catch where I mentioned this was a free performance?  Thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield, anyone can come out and enjoy classic theatre with their friends and family.  Performances like these make for a great introduction to theatre for your kids or friends who are hesitant to pay money to see if they like theatre.  If your little one gets cranky, it’s much easier to make a covert exit in an outdoor setting than in a dark building.

 

Photo Courtesy of SC Shakespeare Co.

But wait…it gets better!  Unlike traditional theatre houses, there’s no upholstery to worry about sullying.  This means you’re more than welcome to have a nice picnic right there under the stars while you enjoy the show!  

 
A picnic can be whatever you want it to be!

So, by now I assume you’re completely sold and can’t wait to check out an outdoor show!  But what should I bring? you ask?

• Folding Chairs or a Comfy Blanket – While you can sit on the concrete risers, your keister will thank you if you consider its comfort.

• A light Sweater or Jacket – Temperatures are dipping into the low 60’s.  If you’re prone to chills, that extra layer will come in handy for last couple of acts!

• Tasty Snacks – Wine & Cheese is a romantic option, but no one will judge you if a Burger and Fries is more your speed.  

• A Friend – What good is a performance if you have no one to talk about it with after the stage lights go down?  Whether it’s a Girls’ Night or a Date Night, there’s no reason to go it alone!

If you would like to see A Servant of Two Masters, this show runs through September 21st at Finlay Park for free (though donations are encouraged) and re-opens at Saluda Shoals for a modest admission fee from October 4-6.  All performances begin at 7:30pm.  Make sure to check out their website for future shows you won’t want to miss.