‘Shakespeare in the Park’ approved

“Shakespeare’s Fool” will be performed on four Fridays in June in Heisler Park.

The City Council approved on Tuesday the pilot program titled “Shakespeare in the Park.”

Performances will include monologues from Shakespeare’s plays and original music. Limited amplification was also approved.

John Gardner and Jason Feddy proposed the program to the Arts Commission at its Jan. 9 meeting. The commission unanimously approved the proposal for recommendation to the council.

Feddy said performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the new amphitheater and conclude at sunset on June 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Funding is available from savings in the commission’s special programs budget, due to a $3,000 donation to Friday Flicks, which will be redirected to the Shakespeare performances.

Both programs are financed by the Business Improvement District, a voluntary uber bed tax hoteliers imposed on themselves in addition to the regular city tax to support arts activities and organizations that bring tourists to Laguna.

—Barbara Diamond