Shakespeare Series Brings Bard To Grass-Roots Level

Picnics on the lawn, a bawdy play down on the stage, wine flowing freely as friends and lovers sat shoulder-to-shoulder in the gloaming: Elizabethans sure knew how to have fun.

Dozens of Eastside sites - topped by that "merrie olde" estate itself, Chateau Ste. Michelle - are recreating at least part of such experiences, in Bellevue Repertory Theatre's "Shakespeare-in-the-Grass Series."

"It's the best way to introduce yourself to - or reacquaint yourself with - Shakespeare," says John Primeau, an Eastsider working to make friends for BRT, which has presented Shakespeare at Ste. Michelle for eight summers.

"It's outdoors on the lawn, as in Shakespeare's time. You take a picnic, sip wine before the play and at intermission, and let Shakespeare unfold."

Plays offered this year are "The Merry Wives of Windsor," and "Romeo and Juliet." Tickets are $6 and $9 (individual shows), or $9 and $15 for both shows in the series (454-5025).

BRT artistic director B. Wallace-Hoffman notes, "Both plays showcase Shakespeare's multi-talents - from comedy to tragedy. (The plays) not only appeal to the Shakespeare enthusiast, but to people and families who simply love to watch a well-acted story unfold."

The company used Actor's Equity performers, as well as students chosen through audition.

Winery performances of "Merry Wives" are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, plus July 16, 23, 25 and 30, and Aug. 6, as well as 2 p.m. p.m. Aug. 31, and 5 p.m. Sept. 3.

Winery performances of "Romeo" are at 7 p.m. Aug. 6, 13, 16, 20, 27, 31 and Sept. 3, and at 2 p.m. Sept. 1.

BRT's plays also will be presented free, but without the wine, in a preview at 5 p.m. Sunday at Bellevue Downtown Park; and in regular performances at parks through Aug. 28. Call number above for list.

MORE OUTDOOR ART: Redmond's Arts in the Parks series already is going strong, with Sunday Family Concerts, Friday Children's Concerts, and every Wednesday General-Audience Concerts in Anderson Park and other sites.

Next Wednesday's noon-hour concert, for example, showcases the Craig Lawrence Jazz Band, playing contemporary jazz, in Anderson Park.

Same time and place July 12, there's a children's show featuirng the Carter Family Marionettes. All free, of course.

OLD MAN THYME: Sample herbs, pet a llama, and taste Medieval life - music, food, jugglers, storytellers, puppets, fortunes, and games - at The Herbfarm Scarborough Faire and Llama Festival.

It runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the farm at 32804 Issaquah Fall-City Rd., Fall City (784-2222). Fair admission is $1.50 and $3.50.

BELLEVUE BOOGY: Bellevue's in on the arts act this summer, too, with its On the Town performances at noon and Friday twilights in downtown areas.

At noon Friday Primal Swing plays - what else but Big Band Swing? - at One Bellevue Center. And at noon Monday, you have the Cajun ensemble, How's Bayou in the Pacific First Plaza.

Next Wednesday it's the Olympic Marimba Band and TMA Transportation Fair, at noon at Quadrant. Are we having fun yet?

Eastside Places appears Wednesdays in the Eastside Life section. Send tips on local places of interest to Carole Beers, Eastside Places, c/o Seattle Times, Suite 105, 11061 N.E. 2nd St., Bellevue, WA 98004.