Shakespeare aficionados have been denied the chance to enjoy free performances of the Bard’s plays in Los Altos this summer, but the Mid-Peninsula Shakespeare Festival remains a possibility for McKenzie Park next year.
After approaching Los Altos officials about offering free stagings this summer in a city park, members of Festival Theatre Ensemble of Los Gatos accepted an offer from Sunnyvale instead. However, the group is eager to try its chances in Los Altos for summer 2012, technical director Michael Uimari reported to the Los Altos Parks, Arts & Recreation Commission (PARC) April 18.
“We couldn’t wait any longer for Los Altos’ decision,” Uimari said. “We had to accept Sunnyvale’s offer and will be performing free at Full Circle Farm, owned by the Sunnyvale School District.”
Los Altos staff had identified McKenzie Park at 707 Fremont Ave. as the most suitable venue for the free performances this summer, but the proposal required a recommendation from PARC members and approval from the city council, according to Beverly Tucker, recreation director.
“We looked at all the other parks, and McKenzie is the only park without any play fields or equipment,” Tucker said. “It has tall trees and an area suitable to stage performances.”
City staff held public meetings last month to gather residents’ input on the proposal.
A touring company, the theater troupe performs at venues in different communities. Los Altos residents would be an ideal audience, and McKenzie Park would be a great venue to perform in, Uimari said.
PARC members unanimously approved Uimari’s offer of free Shakepeare performances in McKenzie Park for summer 2012 and voted to recommend approval by the city council.
