Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

The scenery is amazing, be sure to go early and have a picnic. The play (A Winter’s Tale) was just alright. Some very good acting, some not so great acting. Some questionable antics. Perhaps I just don’t appreciate A Winter’s Tale! It was long and weird. The beautiful venue may tempt me back someday.

If you go, go early and picnic on the lawn at one of the most awesome spots on the Hudson River.
The shows, for this loyal supporter have become somewhat boring with the same actors, acting the same. This years new creative director and directors have not impressed. Mid summer nights dream was — meh — with the same overplayed, choreographed schtick getting tired fast. They were some of my favorite actors, restricted by uninspired work, It was difficult to follow and understand, and I knew the play. Costumes just didn’t work, looked cheap, and were distracting. It was way too long and I just wanted it to end. Arabian nights was better, more entertaining and likable, different with new faces so it felt refreshed. Costumes were fine but some looked as if they came from the local thrift shop with minimal thought, creativity, or effort to put it all together.
I keep hoping for more, for better, for Mr O’Brien deft enlightened touch. I can no longer recommend this festival. Go once for the experience — the views, the tent, the actors crossing the lawn as part of the performance. The rest?
Yawn.

My family and I have attended at least one of the performances atHVSF each year for over 6 years. They have all been enjoyable experiences, but I’ve never been totally enrapt in any of them-​until Othello.
The direction, staging, acting and costumes took me completely out of my own comfort zone to witness something magical-​a deep, uncomfortable look inside the dark recesses of the human psyche. Kurt Rhoades, playing Iago, showed us a disciplined, career soldier eaten alive by jealously to the point where he destroys that which he loves and the love of everyone around him. His manipulation of Othello seems almost understandable at first, but then unfolds into a train wreck of betrayal. Emelia’s speech decrying a women’s misuse by men was modern feminism defined, yet drove the story into deeper realms of human discovery. I ended up a shaking puddle of emotion and sorrow by the curtain call.
Bravo, Brava, Bravo, Brava!

The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is an experience that can’t truly be put in to words. It’s absolutely wonderful (to say the least). Guests have the ability to come a little early and have a picnic whilst overlooking the most beautiful scenery. This is possibly the most breathtaking view in the entire Hudson Valley, and without a doubt something everybody living in the area must be sure to see at least once.
We saw the 2014 production of Othello, and what an incredible production it was. Wow. This was an absolutely phenomenal show. I was honestly never really a fan of Othello. However, this show absolutely blew and changed my mind. All of the actors were outstanding, their take on the story was unique, and the last scene of the show still gives me shivers. I guarantee that anybody else who saw this production completely agrees, and I’m truly sorry to anybody who didn’t.

I have been attending the HVSF for years. Never disappoints! Take a picnic to enjoy before the show and it is a great outing. If West Point has fireworks, they pause the show so you can enjoy them!

Excellent shows with top quality actors and the scenery cannot be beat. The Hudson River and valley are a gorgeous backdrop for shows. Have seen so many plays over the years and can’t name them all but each have been unique and entertaining. They really make Shakespeare accessible and modern as well as really draw you in. Picnicking on the grounds beforehand is fun to and as I said earlier, the scenery cannot be beat. I go every summer. Highly recommend.

The HVSF rocks!!! We saw their 2014 production of Othello & I was blown away by the performance, the actors & the setting. Boscobel gardens are an amazinggggggggggggg setting for HVSF. Come a few hours before the performance and have a picnic overlooking the gorgeous view of the Hudson valley. They have an open bar, serve gourmet food and even organic ice cream. There are NO bad seats in the house bc the theater is small. The performance goes on rain or shine but the tent is definitely going to keep you covered from the rain so don’t worry if the weather forecast is bad. I’d say to bring bug spray but they all have a whole basket of sprays that you can use free of charge. During the opening night of Othello, they have a free open bar & served delicious dessert. I cannot wait to be back!!! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXPERIENCE!

This is a great idea. Small, outdoor shows with no extraneous trimmings with a terrific view of Hudson Valley in the backdrop. I highly recommend preparing for a picnic beforehand.
The show itself was fun. They somewhat modernize Shakespeare and it works for the best. My only complaint is the high volume of gnats you have to endure since everything takes place under a tent. That should not stop you from buying a ticket!

Amazing experience, gorgeous setting and incredible acting!

We saw The Three Musketeers a couple of weeks ago. What a hoot! The actors were a lot of fun and the direction put a modern twist on a classic.

–Beautiful view, perfect for a picnic.
–Amazing performances, utilizing inside and outside space.
–Not one bad seat in the house.
What’s not to love??? Great night out — recommend to anyone!!!
Tip: Bring bug spray

I had the distinct pleasure of viewing HVSF’s production of «Hamlet,» over the summer and besides being thoroughly enjoyable, it featured a variety of my favorite actors from previous HVSF productions: Ryan Quinn; Richard Ercole; and Wesley Mann, just to name a few. It’s always nice to see a familiar face at a new production, and while these guys didn’t have a starring role — that went to Matthew Amendt — they brought their considerable acting chops to play this past season.
Matthew Amendt did a tremendous turn as the desperate and crazy — or was he really? — Hamlet. The situation wasn’t a good one: Hamlet’s father was murdered by his uncle, Claudius, who subsequently married Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, and became king. King Claudius was played with just the right amount of lasciviousness by Jason O’Connell, and the role of Queen Gertrude was performed well by Gabra Zackman. The part of the doomed Ophelia went to Valeri Mudek. Her madness was more in the teenage-​angst vein, but perhaps that was appropriate. I believe Shakespeare intended for Ophelia to be a young character. Ms. Mudek played the role with enough youthful despair that she allowed me to understand where Ophelia was coming from, yet the problem I had with her in the role was that she offered no glimmers of what Ophelia was like before insanity swooped down. Granted, the play would have allowed very limited opportunities for that, but I would have liked to see a touch of personality brought to the role. It was just despair all the way, and I think that the despair card is a very overplayed aspect of Ophelia’s character.
I loved the HVSF’s interpretation of «Hamlet.» The costumes; the unique interpretation brought to the role of the Ghost; and, as always, the spectacular backdrop of Boscobel, which serves as both stage and scenery for HVSF. I thoroughly enjoyed this production, and of all the HVSF productions I have seen, this is my second favorite. (The top spot is still occupied by «Much Ado About Nothing,» which graced the 2009 season.)
Ticket prices did jump again this past season, but I find that the quality of the productions are more than worth the increase in cost. For those considering buying tickets, I recommend shows in August over ones in July, mainly due to comfort. Guests are sitting outdoors for about two hours at HVSF, and July, even in the summer’s dying twilight, can be brutal. August’s temperatures are a bit better. I’m already geared up for the 2012 season, and it’s still six months away. They’re going to be performing «Romeo & Juliet,» people! R. and J. I am SO there.

We look forward to yearly performances with great anticipation. Which plays will they do next? The actors are very talented. They make Shakespeare understandable and enjoyable to all. The grounds are gorgeous, just perfect for a pre-​show dinner picnic. The view of the Hudson is spectacular. I love how they use the grounds to make the actors appear and disappear so dramatically. It is a great asset to our community and local businesses. I love recommending them to clients when they are looking for real estate with me in Cold Spring and Garrison.

Saturday was our first experience with the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. We saw the 3 hour performance of Hamlet.
We arrived 1.5 hours prior to the start of the performance and unpacked our picnic basket (triple crème brie, goat cheese (purple haze), parmesan crisps, sausage w/​truffle, grapes, cantaloupe, cider from Applewood Winery, and cold fried chicken) and setup our blanket and our Tommy Bahama beach chairs (the greatest ones ever made… truly).
It was beautiful sitting there, eating and staring out at the Hudson River, West Point and Storm King Mountain. So relaxing.
At 7:30 we began packing up our stuff and were able to store them under the tent under the bleachers. We were then shown to our seats (really not a bad one in the whole place) and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor performance.
Our fave part was watching Ophelia head off toward the Hudson River!

This is my third consecutive year attending this festival, and it’s become one of my favorite summer traditions. The great cast (Nance Williamson and Gabra Zackman as twin Dromios are hilariously brilliant, to name just two), the company’s fun and unique twists, costumes, and musical numbers, and the unbeatable location will keep me coming back year after year.

To the wonderful staff of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL SEASON
Angelinas

No surprise the Wall Street Journal called the HVSF the best Shakespeare festival in the country. Much Ado and Pericles were good enough to get me back — three times each!
HVSF tends to have fairly animated performances (dancing and songs), but without sacrificing the text. It’s exciting to see Shakespeare that’s both alive and intelligent. These performances compare favorably with any I’ve seen.
Set across the Hudson from West Point in a tent on the picturesque grounds of Boscobel, you couldn’t find a better picnic spot if you tried. It’s probably best to bring your own food. But even if you don’t, the festival has a snack tent with tasty sandwiches, salads, beers, and wines.

I just saw” Much Ado About Nothing «and all I need to say is this group is a gem and Boscobell is the Tiffany setting for this Masterpiece