The Bard gets a good spot for summer performance in Princeton

Alas, poor film festival, we knew ye well

By: Courtney Gross
   If the Princeton Recreation Department’s summer schedule for the Pettoranello Gardens amphitheater is to be, or not to be, well, that really is the question.
   The Recreation Department has offered the Princeton Rep Company’s Shakespeare Festival enough time to put on two productions this summer for the first time since 2004, because several organizations, including the Thomas Sweet Outdoor Cinema program and the New Jersey Opera Theater, have declined to put on events this season.
   With less demand, the Princeton Rep Company was offered more time at the typically popular venue, which is set in a secluded section of Community Park North, allowing the theater group to put on two, four-week productions.
   But Princeton Rep Co-founder Anne Reiss said the company has until March 15 to make a final decision on its shows for this summer and any possible performances for the future.
   "Our intention is to go back," Ms. Reiss said. "It’s just we have to schedule a board meeting to discuss these dates and future dates."
   Ms. Reiss said that Princeton Rep was grateful to regain "what we see as our traditional time slot," although the company was still unable to guarantee any definite slates for future summers.
   In the past, Princeton Rep and the Recreation Department have tussled over time slots and the department’s overall stance on scheduling. In both 2001 and 2005, the free Shakespeare program was abandoned entirely, while other summers saw reduced schedules.
   Princeton Rep representatives have contended that an ambiguous schedule makes it difficult to solidify sponsors and fundraise in order to put on their free Shakespeare festival.
   Recreation officials have said the gardens are a community venue and its scheduling must be flexible to accommodate a diverse selection of community and nonprofit organizations.
   Although Princeton Rep has been offered more time, the three-years running film program has set its final stage.
   Tom Grimm of the Thomas Sweet Outdoor Cinema Program said he would not return this year because of time constraints and the cost and commitment needed to run the free program.
   Mr. Grimm had put on popular films in what he called "a community service." A program typically included 12 movies shown throughout the summer. Mr. Grimm said it was possible the Thomas Sweet Outdoor Cinema festival would return to the park.
   The proprietor of Thomas Sweet Chocolate in Palmer Square did confirm he would put on a film screening on the Palmer Square green sometime this summer.
   "It was great and it was a lot of fun," Mr. Grimm said of the program at the gardens. "I would love someone else to do it."
   In addition to the possibility of Princeton Rep this summer, free concerts are confirmed by Blue Curtain — a local music organization. Founder Stephen Allen said he hopes to have a popular season, and plans to increase dancing acts during the four dates he has been allotted.
   Even so, Mr. Allen recognized the scheduling problems that continue to emerge.
   "The trouble is, it’s a nice spot and Shakespeare seems to have priority in what happens there," Mr. Allen said.