Bard in the Yard: Family Shakespeare
20+ Years of Family Theater, Beginning in 2003
On a sunny afternoon in early spring of 2003, Susan, Phil and Bill were lounging in the Long Beach backyard. We were looking forward to later in the summer when the “big family” would descend on Long Beach for the annual beach vacation. “Let’s do something fun but challenging that we accomplish together,” Susan said. “Otherwise, it starts to feel that it’s just about eating.” We came up with the idea of putting on a dramatic reading with costumes, music, and all the trimmings. A Shakespeare play would be perfect. We decided on Midsummer’s Night Dream. With Phil, who had some real acting experience, as Bottom, Susan as Titania, and Judy as our musical director, it was perfect for the kids, who would be spirits etc.
That first show was twenty three years ago. We’ve since done a Shakespeare play every summer. We think of ourselves as the Bard in the Yard Players.
Susan died later that fall. We dedicate each new show to her memory and imagine she is watching our antics from a seat in the front row.
Witches dancing around the cauldron in MacBeth
Phil as Caliban (2020 production
Didi Goldenhar runs our costume shop. The players come up to see Didi to get fitted or wraped. Tie dye is always popular for witches. For peasnts a shawl will do. She’s also the best acting coach, with real theater expeience, and our Dramaturge. (good vocabulary word).
Eve Kornblum is our Producer. You name it and Eve is on it, from the tent, to the catering, to the housing. to consulting on the play and its casting….
Judy Gutlerner is our unparalled Musical Director . Judy somehow manages to herd all the musicians togethe for a rehersal before the show. You might catch her next as one of the wierd sisters dancing around the cauldron in MacBeth…
Peri Brand, Stage Manager, Jack of all theater trades, no task to large or small…
Jackie Phillips is our Stalward Announcer
Bill Kornblum— Bard Impressario and titular director
