By Julia Moro
The Queens theatre company Gingerbread Players is preparing for its second edition of “Shakespeare-aoke! The Ultimate Shakespearience,” at St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills on June 30 at 7:30 p.m.
The night features short performances from members of the community who wish to recite, read or act out one of Shakespeare’s many works.
The event was originally put on to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death on April 23, 1616. With the huge turnout and the noticeable appreciation of Shakespeare, the Gingerbread Players decided to hold this event again.
“Open mike is such a popular thing these days, karaoke is really big, and I thought why should it only be for pop music. Why can’t we do something where people can come and perform without committing to the burden of regular rehearsal schedules?” asked Louise Guinther, co-ordinator of the event and a member of the troupe.
John Fallon, a member of St. Luke’s Parish, performed at the first “Shakespeare-aoke.” He said that he enjoys the freedom of the open mike since you get to choose what to perform and how to perform it.
“To me, it’s very New York” said Fallon.
On top of the Shakespearean performances, the food and refreshments will also follow the same Elizabethan-era theme. The refreshments are included in the admission price of $10 to reserve a spot to perform and $5 to come in and watch the show.
For more information, visit the website, www.ginge
Reach reporter Julia Moro by e-mail at jmoro
