Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Picture yourself at a beach on the quiet eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by pine forests, with an unobstructed view across the lake. The sun is setting over the water. You’re watching a Shakespeare play while sipping a fine California wine. Can it get any better than this?

Nope. That’s why you should consider seeing “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” during the 38th Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival between July 9 and August 22. Or if you’re not a fan of Big Bill, the same picture-perfect venue and sunset can be experienced while enjoying a Music Series performance on a Monday or Friday night, the two nights off the actors are off. (Do they search for midsummer fairies? What do Shakespearean actors do in their spare time?)

Shakespeare festivals are found elsewhere in Northern California, but none with the caliber of the actors who come to the Tahoe festival from throughout the U.S. This year’s play is a lighthearted compilation of 37 Shakespeare plays performed by three actors in two hours. Music Series performers include the Reno Philharmonic’s “Broadway on the Beach,” blues artist Sugaray, jazz man Mitch Forman, Southern rocker Paul Thorn, swing jazz band Royal Crown Revue, classic rock band Mrs. Robinson and classic soul band Orgone, among others.

The venue is Sand Harbor State Park, a few miles south of Incline Village, Nevada, and 25 minutes north of Stateline, on Highway 28. If being entertained isn’t enough, a full-service outdoor restaurant/bar (Shakespeare’s Kitchen) serves up items like Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos and Citrus-Marinated Chicken Breast before the show and desserts like Godiva Brownies and Hot Fudge Sundaes at intermission.  There’s even a nightly wine tasting for an additional $25.

HelloMetro Tip: The open-air sand amphitheater is lovely, but if you sit in the Upper Gallery cheap seats, bring or rent ($3) a low-back chair to be comfortable.

- by Bob Cooper, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Bob Cooper

Bob Cooper is a full-time freelance writer (www.bob-cooper.com) who writes about travel, outdoor sports and health. He is a monthly contributor to Runner's World and has written recent articles for other national magazines such as Continental, Ladies' Home Journal and Inc.