By: Ashmar Mandou

After a triumphant debut, the Chicago Park District plans to expand Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks next summer. “The performances were wildly popular, drawing diverse and enthusiastic audiences at each performance,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO, Michael Kelly in a statement. “We hope to expand the number of performances next year in an effort to reach additional communities.”

In ten parks throughout the city this summer, numerous Shakespeare enthusiasts attended Shakespeare in the Parks where Chicago Shakespeare Theater and The Boeing Company presented several performances of ‘The Taming of the Shrew.’ From Portage Park to Humboldt Park and Austin to South Shore, Kelly believes Shakespeare in the Parks eliminated barriers and gave ‘Chicagoans direct access to cultural resources by brining free Shakespeare performances into communities.’

“The success of Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks is a tremendous boost to our efforts to bring more arts programming to all neighborhoods,” said Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner, Michelle T. Boone. Details for summer 2013 programming will be announced at a later date. For more information on the Chicago Park District, call 312-742-7529 or visit, www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.