The City of Redmond’s Arts in the Parks summer performance series is in full swing at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.
This year features a colorful line up of free outdoor performances and participatory events for the whole family. Tuesdays at noon are reserved for performances specifically for children and caregivers, while Fridays at 7 p.m. are performances for all ages.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and a low-backed chair or blanket and relax with an entertaining hour of music, theater or dance.
“Redmond offers a wide variety of arts opportunities from public art to music performances,” states Mary Yelanjian, City Arts Administrator. “Come, relax and enjoy yourself at a summer afternoon or evening performance. Free parking at City Hall is available so bring your picnic supper and get ready to have a wonderful time.”
The schedule is as follows. See www.redmond.gov/arts for detailed information.
Tuesday, Aug. 3, noon: Morpho-man (a.k.a. Christian Swenson) is a virtual one man animal kingdom able to conjures up characters, dinosaurs and aliens on the spot. He is a living, breathing, moving, singing and dancing quick change artist.
Friday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m.: “As You Like It” – performed by Greenstage. This Shakespearean comedy follows heroine Rosalind as she flees the persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia and court jester Touchstone, to find safety and eventually live in the Forest of Arden.
Tuesday, Aug. 10, noon: “The Forgetful Fairy” – performed by Redwood Theater. Fatima, the tooth fairy, has a hard time remembering things, especially her job to deliver coins to children who have lost teeth. The story revolves around her non-delivery of one child’s dime and how she just has to make it right.
Friday, Aug. 13; 7 p.m.: “Romeo and Juliet” – performed by Greenstage. This is the classic Shakespeare tragedy of star-crossed lovers. Greenstage productions are family-oriented, focusing on the text and story of the play. The characters come to life in eye-opening ways when heard in these outdoor performances.
Tuesday, Aug. 17; noon: One World Taiko. This Japanese drum ensemble’s contemporary style incorporates dynamic and fluid movement with heart pounding percussion. The music is drawn from Japan’s ancient tradition of lively and spirited festival drumming.
Friday, Aug. 20; 7 p.m.: Teen Performances. Teens from the Old Fire House Teen Center take the stage in their third year at Arts in the Parks.
Arts in the Parks is sponsored by the City of Redmond Arts Commission and Redmond Parks and Recreation Department with funding support from 4Culture Sustained Support Program and Paint the Town Redmond Tourism Fund. Additional schedule information and directions are at www.redmond.gov/arts. Facilities are handicap accessible.
