Bath Shakespeare Festival returns to Library Park with performances of As You Like It, July 17 through August 2th. The performances are presented in conjunction with the Patten Free Library. This production will feature professional actors from Maine and across the country, staged with beautiful costumes and featuring live music. The play is sponsored by Bath Savings Institution.

As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies. It is the story of the plucky Rosalind who is separated from her true love when she is banished to the forest of Arden. Rosalind employs a clever disguise to try to reunite with her love and, in the process, sets off a most remarkable series of comic events. It is also the comedy containing one of Shakespeare more famous speeches: “All the world’s a stage.” As You Like It is the perfect outing for families, with its comic romance and unforgettable characters.

“I chose As You Like It because it is both hilarious and romantic,” says director Stephen Legawiec, “and it has a great deal of music that we will be performing live. Plus, as most of the comedy takes place in the forest, Library Park could not be a more perfect setting. Even newcomers to Shakespeare will be delighted.”

“We are setting our production of “As You like It” during the “Summer of Love” in the late 1960s. With Shakespeare’s language intact, this modern setting will add to the fun of this bubbly comedy. The androgyny of fashion, the sexual revolution, and people looking to “find themselves” all find their resonances both in Shakespeare’s play and the swinging 60s. To make it really special, we will also be performing some amazing music of the era – live!”

Bath Shakespeare Festival is looking for volunteers to help out behind the scenes. Contact us by email at info@bathshakespeare.org.

Performances are July 17 through August 2, Thursdays and Saturdays. Thursday performances begin at 6 p.m., and Saturday performances begin at 5 p.m.

General admission is $20. Students and seniors are $15, and children under 12 are $5. The July 17 performance is “pay what you wish.”

Shakespeare on the Kennebec to do “Taming of the Shrew.”

There’s more Shakespeare in this, the 450th anniversary of the Bard’s birth. The Shakespeare on the Kennebec Festival, to be held on the Plant Home grounds (1 Washington Street) will perform on July 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 2 p.m. That group will be performing “Taming of the Shrew.” Ticket prices are $10.