Lake Tahoe a stunning stage for Shakespeare

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997 | 8:49 a.m.

The event is being held on Lake Tahoe's East Shore through Aug. 31. Hosted by the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, the unique experience draws people from around the Tahoe Basin and beyond to eat drink and be entertained.

"This is probably the greatest venue for Shakespeare in the world," says festival director Sam Folio. "An outdoor drama set on Lake Tahoe is pretty special -- you have the stage, the actors, the lake and the mountains. There's a sunset then the moon comes up -- there's just a whole lot of amazing things happening."

The two comedies being offered this year are "The Taming of the Shrew" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

Performed by Equity actors from the Foothill Theater Company of Nevada City, Calif., the plays are a perfect mix of love story, zany physical comedy and biting one-liners. More than 400 people auditioned for the leading parts.

Players include the audience in the fun, keeping everyone guessing about who is an actor and who is for real.

And while the play is certainly the primary reason people attend, the pre-event activity is almost as entertaining. Many locals and tourists bring elaborate picnics, from fried chicken, potato salad and beer to pate, shrimp salad and champagne. For those who may not be in the mood to cook, variety dinner platters are sold.

Celtic musicians serenade guests with Irish drinking songs, and even have cue cards so everyone can sign along.

"I've talked to people who said they had their money's worth even before the play started," Folio said.

The stage is set with the lake as a backdrop, and hundreds of people pack into a sandy bowl-shaped area. Some perch on large boulders to get a good view.

"I think if Shakespeare had seen this, this would have been the only place he would have put shows on," Folio said. "Like Mark Twain said, it's the greatest sight God ever created -- it's breathtaking. People just love this lake and they can't get enough of it."

Tickets range in price depending on the day and choice of seating, from $14 to $22, and can be purchased by calling 800-74-SHOWS.