By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – The Marion-based Shakespearean troop Hoosier Shakes held only their second performance of their first season Thursday night at the Charley Creek Gardens performing the famous Bard’s play “Pericles, Prince of Tyre.” The 12-member troop were forced to move into the garage of the Charley Creek Gardens due to sprinkles before the show.
The troop is a repertory one, which means it performs two different plays each successive night until their run is up. Their debut performance of “Twelfth Night” out on the beautiful labyrinth on the lower level of the gardens Wednesday night drew two dozen attendees. Perhaps it was the threat of rain or the fact that the tragic “Pericles” is less well known, but the second night only drew half that number.
The garden’s garage is, no doubt, not quite the same as performing Shakespeare out in the open in the bloom of late spring. But those in attendance were obviously entertained by the performance and the idea of a troop of actors bringing such culture to this part of the state. Weather permitting, “Twelfth Night” will be back on the labyrinth in the garden itself tonight.
Essentially, Hoosier Shakes is summer stock for actors and some come in from out of state. Candice Joice is from Colorado and has been performing professionally in Denver. She describes the wonder of an audience seeing Shakespeare’s plays outdoors.
Greg Fiebig, Executive Director of Hoosier Shakes, said that while the cast has been rehearsing for nearly four weeks now, the opening slate of shows has been three of four years in the making. After Wabash closes on Sunday night, Hoosier Shakes will perform at the 3rd Street Courtyard on Main Street in Marion for two weeks. But in Wabash, “Twelfth Night” will be performed starting at 7 pm tonight and Sunday and another performance of “Pericles” will be performed on Saturday starting at 7 pm.
