"Hamlet" by The Gray Mallard Theater Company at Sociable Cider Werks

Shakespeare at the Pub is back! This is the 5th year of The Gray Mallard Theater Company's summer Shakespeare productions outside Sociable Cider Werks, their only show of the year. For the 3rd year in a row, I sat on a folding chair in a parking lot enjoying a locally made cider and an intimate, accessible, and engaging production of one of the Bard's best works. And this is perhaps the best weather I've had for this outdoor production, with a lovely cool summer day in the '70s, a welcome break from the unbearable heat and dangerous smoke coming down from the fires in the Northland (which cancelled their opening night last week). I had to put on a jacket as the sun went down, the stars came out, and the stage lights went on, appropriate for this story of Prince of Denmark as it descends into darkness. Head to Northeast Minneapolis some Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday through August 2 to see this excellent production of Hamlet in a unique setting. Bring a chair or get there early to claim one of their padded folding chairs, grab a cider or other beverage inside of Sociable and/or a burger from Smashed Patty's (house-made tofu burgers also available), and settle in for some FREE Shakespeare.

"Much Ado About Nothing" by Gray Mallard Theater Company at Sociable Cider Werks

My favorite new #TCTheater summer tradition is Gray Mallard Theater Company's "Shakespeare in the Pub." Not quite in the pub, they perform in the parking lot outside of Sociable Cider Werks in Northeast Minneapolis, with a variety of ciders, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages available in their tap room, and a permanent food truck. But best of all, it's Shakespeare performed outdoors the way it was meant to be - fun, playful, professional, and free. Part of their mission is to remove the economic barrier to theater, they don't even have reservations, so you just show up and watch the show (but if you're able, consider making a donation to support their work and mission). For their 4th annual show (my 2nd year attending), they've chosen the original rom-com Much Ado About Nothing. They perform Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7pm through August 3, and there's really nothing better than sitting outside on a gorgeous summer evening, sipping a beverage, and watching some great Shakespeare.