Shakespeare at the Lake: A Tahoe Summer Tradition
What makes the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival so special?
World-class theater, a picnic on the beach, and the sun setting over Lake Tahoe make Shakespeare at Sand Harbor a truly unique summer tradition. For generations of Tahoe families, it's more than a performance... it's one of those experiences that marks the rhythm of the season.
Summer in Tahoe is busy and there are so many events to choose from, but certain ones make my list every year, and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor is one of them.
I've been enjoying the shows for a long time, since about middle school. In those early years, my parents, sister, and I would pack up the car, sometimes joined by family friends, with blankets, a picnic dinner, and everything needed for an evening on the sand. We'd arrive early to claim a "good spot," flatten out the sand as best we could, spread out the blankets, and settle in for dinner and a show.
Like any tradition that's lasted for decades, the festival has evolved. Today there is assigned seating, with chairs set for the summer season, and food and drinks available for purchase. However, we still prefer to bring a shared picnic with friends and leisurely enjoy a glass of wine as the sun slowly sets and the performance begins.
The entertainment has evolved, too. In the old days we simply would decide between comedy or tragedy. Today, the season offers a broader mix of performances. This year's Shakespeare production is Macbeth, joined by The Heart of Robin Hood, along with a series of musical and other performances on Mondays (the night off for the performers). What hasn't changed is the quality of the productions. The actors are exceptional, and hearing Shakespeare's language performed so naturally and effortlessly makes you appreciate how different live theater can be.
My pro tip? Have someone read a synopsis of the play aloud in the car on the way to Sand Harbor. Knowing the storyline makes it much easier to follow along while your ears (and your brain) adjust to Shakespearean English. It has become part of our routine.
This year's season is almost over, with the final performance on August 23. If you haven't been yet, there's still time to add it to your summer list.
One of the things I love about Tahoe is that our lifestyle isn't limited to skiing, hiking, biking, and the lake. On a summer evening, you can enjoy professional theater with your toes in the sand and one of the most beautiful backdrops imaginable.
It's a little bit of city culture, done Tahoe style... and after all these years, it's still on my annual summer to-do list.
Want to catch one of the final performances? Visit the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival website for the remaining schedule and tickets.
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