‘Romeo and Juliet’ coming to Henderson park

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | midnight

In its 23rd year in Henderson, the Shakespeare in the Park festival will feature "Romeo and Juliet" on Oct. 3, 4 and 5.

Each of this year's free performances will be held at Sonata Park in Seven Hills, 1550 Seven Hills Drive. Shakespeare at Play, a nonprofit company out of Burbank, Calif., will present the performances.

"It's a great atmosphere," said Henderson Cultural Arts and Tourism spokeswoman Lisa Kiem-Carr. "It's a beautiful park."

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and food for picnics, but glass is not permitted. Shows will start at 7 p.m., except for the Sunday matinee, which begins at 4. Before the performance will be a green show, featuring Elizabethan-style jugglers and musicians.

"It will get people in the spirit of the Elizabethan time," Henderson spokeswoman Nicole Johnson said.

Last year's play was "Twelfth Night," which was performed at both Sonata Park and Lake Las Vegas. This year organizers opted for just one venue.

"We wanted to make it easier for the residents," Johnson said.

Johnson anticipated roughly 5,000 people would watch this year's series.

"It's one of our signature events," she said. "I think people are really excited that we're bringing one of the greatest love stories of all time to Henderson."

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].