The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is making a grand return to Hawrelak Park after years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and extensive park renovations. Artistic director Dave Horak expressed a mix of excitement and nerves as the 37th edition of the festival prepares to open at the newly upgraded Heritage Amphitheatre. The festival will present two shows: William Shakespeare's classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing from June 17 to 28, and the Broadway musical Something Rotten! from July 1 to 12.
New Venue, New Challenges
Horak noted that the festival has had to adapt significantly over the past five years. "The company has changed since COVID," he said. "Being out of the park, we've gotten smaller because we had to. Getting back to the park and filling that big space is a big challenge." The festival has revamped its approach to attract both new and returning audiences.
Much Ado About Nothing
Directed by Ian Leung, Much Ado About Nothing features a cast of ten Freewill favorites, including Nadien Chu, Ron Pederson, Troy O'Donnell, and John Ullyatt. The production promises a lively rendition of the Bard's beloved comedy, filled with wit, romance, and mistaken identities.
Something Rotten!
Horak, who taught musical theatre at MacEwan University for 20 years, directs Something Rotten!, a Shakespeare-inspired musical that debuted on Broadway in 2015. The show earned 10 Tony Award nominations and follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they compete with Shakespeare by inventing a new theatrical form—musicals—leading to hilarious complications. The cast includes Edmonton artists Stephen Allred, Brian Christensen, Eli Yaschuk, and Melenie Reid.
Horak credited partnerships with the Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Shelley's Dance Company for making the musical possible. "The only way we could do a musical was to partner with other companies to bring in funding and performers," he explained.
Overcoming Obstacles
The festival faced significant hurdles during the pandemic and park closure, including a drop in government and corporate funding, declining audience revenue, and rising costs. A recent fundraiser aimed to raise $150,000 but fell short, collecting just under $59,000. Despite these challenges, Horak remains optimistic about the festival's return to its traditional home.
The Heritage Amphitheatre now features new bathrooms and other upgrades, enhancing the audience experience. Horak hopes that the combination of a classic Shakespeare play and a modern musical will draw crowds and reestablish the festival's presence in Edmonton's cultural landscape.
