'King Lear' Takes Center Stage Outdoors in Bernards Township

Each week, Patch brings you an idea of something to do to enjoy some free time for yourself, or with friends and family. Here is this week's choice:

Shakespeare’s "King Lear" is a formidable play to tackle, but this week Basking Ridge's Trilogy Repertory Co., with Westfield's Troupe of Friends, will present a priceless version of the classic at the outdoors stage at Pleasant Valley Park on four evenings, from Thursday through Sunday.

Performances are free to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted, for a production put on by experienced local thespians who could give professionals a run for their money. 

The play will be staged at the outdoor amphitheater at Bernards Township's Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4.

The performances are presented as part of the Bernards Township's Parks and Recreation, which started with Trilogy's successful run of Monty Python's "Spamalot" earlier in July.

This dramatic and tragic tale of thankless children, intrigue and madness will feature Hank Barre of Basking Ridge as Lear and Alicia Harabin of Somerville as his Fool.

Speaking before Monday's dress rehearsal at the amphitheater, Barre said that Trilogy generally selects one Shakespeare play each summer season based on its appeal to audiences and recognition. Although many productions, such as "As You Like It," summon up Shakespeare's more lighthearted plays, Barre said that "Macbeth" was staged at Pleasant Valley Park during a recent season.

This story of age, rage and the consequences of jealousy and greed is one of Shakespeare’s most popular dark and enduring tragedies, according to a description offered by Trilogy. Raging storms within and around the characters carry the action forward through madness, swordfights and murderous intrigue.

Main roles

The loyal Kent will be Lee Grabelsky of Plainsboro. Westfield thespians Ken Bigelow as the treacherous Edmund, Michael Bieber as the Duke of Albany and Joe Penczak as the noble Edgar will also appear. Penczak also is directing this production of Lear. 

Lear’s three daughters Goneril, Regan and Cordelia will be portrayed by Juliet Brines from Bridgewater, Kelly Maizenaski of Middlesex, and Erin Scialabba from Westfield. Tim Evans of Randolph _ originally from England — is cast as the old and tortured Gloucester and Fred Dennehy of Cranbury will portray evil Cornwall. 

A variety of other character spots will be filled by Trilogy regulars Matt Marino, Alan Gershenson, Peter Curly, Max Beutnagel and newcomer, Sean Marner.

Although there are some benches built into the amphitheater, theater-goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. The addition of snacks or a picnic dinner make for an enjoyable evening for Shakespeare under the stars.

The same production also will be presented at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 30 and 31, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, at Mindowaskin Park in Westfield.