Gettin' Shady IN the Grove

CONTENT COURTESY OF INWILMINGTONDE.COM
by Joe del Tufo, Chief Creative Officer, Mobius New Media.

Perfect weather and an energetic crowd helped make the 2014 Shady Grove Fest a big success on Saturday, July 19. It was a great mix of diverse musical acts, dancing, delicious food and mediocre beer.  

As is the tradition...

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Show Off the Art You Love at Newark Arts Alliance

The Newark Arts Alliance (NAA) is presenting its “Community Art Gallery” for the second year, on view Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 23.  For this exhibition, the community is invited to drop off artwork they own and love for display in the NAA gallery.  Participants will be asked to write a brief statement (max 200 words) on why they chose their piece.  Works can be submitted from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3, from 11:00am–3:00pm daily.

Works of art need not be original.  This exhibition offers a chance for art lovers and collectors who are not necessarily artists themselves to participate in an exhibition.  However, artists are welcome to submit their own creations.  Only one work can be submitted per participant.  Submitting a work is free, and works will not be offered for sale.

Hanging works should have a tight hanging wire across the back.  Central hanging devices (e.g., rings and saw-tooth hangers) do not work with the NAA’s hanging system.  The NAA’s Exhibition Committee will select as many works for display as space will allow.  The Exhibition Committee reserves the right to decline works, including works that are not properly prepared for hanging or display.

The Newark Arts Alliance will celebrate the “Community Art Gallery” with a reception on Friday, August 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  This event will be free and open to the public.  Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

See www.newarkartsalliance.org. 

Get Thee to Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s Exhilarating Production of Hamlet!

There is nothing like spending a gorgeous summer night with friends, wine, nosh and one of The Bard’s most famous plays performed live outside. Thankfully the Delaware Shakespeare Festival (DSF) provides this opportunity in Rockwood Park! Regardless if you are a Shakespeare aficionado or novice, you will have a delightful evening at DSF.

This year’s DSF production is Hamlet. Of course, most of us have read Hamlet and/or seen a production of the play or a film version. We know Hamlet, but director David Stradley breathes new life into this iconic piece. His sophisticated production ignites the enchanting grounds of Rockwood Park and makes the material fresh and exciting.

The multi-level stage by Scenic Designer Oona Curley with the park as its backdrop is enthralling. The cutout quasi-square–shaped back wall not only makes it convenient for the actors to enter and exit the stage, but it also frames the scenes with the lush green field in the distance. It’s as if each scene begins as a picture that comes to life.

And, bringing the play to life is a stellar cast led by Griffin Stanton-Ameisen as Prince Hamlet. Mr. Stanton-Ameisen’s Hamlet has an emo rock star look, which is fitting for a character that is quite expressive with his thoughts and feelings. Mr. Stanton-Ameisen’s dynamic performance conveys the depths of anger and pain his character feels once finding out his uncle (Claudius, the now King of Denmark) has married his mother (Gertrude) after killing his father. Carl Granieri and Caroline Crocker give magnificent performances as the devious Claudius and weary Gertrude.

Clare Mahoney as the lovelorn Ophelia— who is told by Hamlet to go to a nunnery when she professes her love for him — and James Kassees as Opheila’s father Polonius, are both compelling and remarkable in their roles.  

As most know, Hamlet doesn't end well for its leading characters, but that doesn't dampen the lovely evening only DSF can provide in a charming atmosphere.  Don’t delay; get your tickets today before this production closes!

Hamlet plays at Rockwood Park until July 27. Purchase tickets at the door or visit www.delshakes.org. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs, drinks and food! If you don't want to pack food, the Wandering Chef Catering Cart is in the park selling delicious fare!