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Oak Park Festival Theatre

Love's Labour's Lost

by William Shakespeare
Directed by Artistic Director Jack Hickey

Jack Hickey's excellent direction and creative interpretations of this screaming irony is festooned with the woods of Austin Garden and more pleasant in the evening with breezes that visit the park after sunset.  Jack Hickey has put new vigor into a much loved, though lost labored comedy by having certain interactions theatrically presented with a flair for the moment and the use of accents in the various character's lines--all with beautiful success.

The earliest recorded performance of Love's Labour's Lost occurred in the era of Queen Elizabeth, during the celebration of Christmas in 1597 at Court.  The play was even produced by the wonderful actor Kenneth Branagh's in his film from 2000.  Branagh had his film of Love's Labour's Lost set in the 1930's, but perhaps that was too modern a setting, the film did poorly.

Jack Hickey's version is set in the 1800's and is a smashing success.  We also applaud Jack for not using young men in the roles of the women of the play.  The women chosen are far too beautiful for even David Bowey to have played in his youth.


Stephen Spencer in the role of  Don Armado was on the mark in his delivery and his fun Spanish accent, which made the character even that much more entertaining.  Later when Adam Breske; as King Ferdinand of Navarre; and his three lords attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the Princess of France; played by Katherine Keberlein; and her female companions; they come to the stage with wild hair pieces either as beards or hair extentions. The visiting Russian have accents that seem to have been patterned after Yakov Smirnoff.


The entire cast is well chosen and excellent in their rendition of this well known comedy.  The rehearsals were done in some of the worst hot and humid temperatures for years and the casts labors have not been lost.  This is an excellent show with great staging, wonderful direction, and lively performances.


There is parking across the street in two lots and some street parking as well.  It is wonderful show to see with your own picnic dinner and you can rent chairs if you do not bring your own.  Take a friend with you.......

Love's Labour's Lost is one of Shakesepare's lightest comedies, a story of the war between the sexes and the urge to resist, and to succomb to, temptation. Sex and the City, as rendered by The Bard. A first-time production by Oak Park Festival Theatre. Remember your first time? Directed by Jack Hickey.




* denotes AEA member

**Note: Our season brochure indicated that there would be performances on August 1st & 8th at both 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; the 5 p.m. performances have been replaced by our Family Day performances of our touring show, Shakespeare: Scenes, Sonnets and Songs. Also note the change in starting time: 3:30 p.m. Love's Labour's Lost will be performed at 7 p.m.

The Play Online

The Plays Synopsis