There’s something special about watching Shakespeare outdoors.
As the sun dips below the trees and dusk settles over the High Park Amphitheatre, the setting becomes part of the performance. Birds call from above, the breeze rustles through the leaves, and Toronto’s skyline fades into the background. It’s a reminder that Dream in High Park isn’t just another theatre production, it’s one of the city’s great summer traditions.
This year’s offering, Twelfth Night, proves once again why.
Directed and adapted by Gregory Prest, the production trims Shakespeare’s sprawling romantic comedy into an energetic 90-minute performance that never feels rushed. Instead, it captures the play’s joyful spirit, keeping the mistaken identities, tangled romances, and playful wit while making the story accessible for audiences who may be experiencing Shakespeare for the first time.
At the heart of the production is Viola, whose decision to disguise herself as the page Cesario after being shipwrecked sets off one of Shakespeare’s most entertaining chains of romantic confusion. Prest wisely leans into the comedy without losing sight of the play’s emotional core. Beneath the laughter lies a story about identity, longing, and the wonderfully unpredictable nature of love.
The ensemble embraces that balance beautifully. Performances feel relaxed and playful, allowing the language to breathe rather than treating it as something precious or intimidating. Physical comedy lands effortlessly, while quieter moments are given room to resonate beneath the open sky.
One of the production’s greatest strengths is its musicality. Songs weave naturally through the evening, reinforcing the play’s famous opening line, “If music be the food of love, play on.” Combined with a simple but evocative design, the music helps create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and perfectly suited to a summer evening in the park. Critics across Toronto have similarly highlighted the production’s warmth, humour, and emphasis on music and physical storytelling.
Dream in High Park has always been about more than Shakespeare alone. Families spread blankets across the amphitheatre, friends arrive with picnic baskets, and first-time theatre-goers sit alongside lifelong Shakespeare fans. That communal atmosphere remains one of the production’s greatest charms. There is an ease to the evening that encourages audiences simply to enjoy the story unfolding before them.
For seasoned Shakespeare lovers, this Twelfth Night offers a fresh, streamlined take on one of the Bard’s most beloved comedies. For newcomers, it’s an inviting introduction that demonstrates why these plays continue to endure more than 400 years later.
Whether you come for the romance, the laughs, or simply an excuse to spend an evening outdoors, Canadian Stage has once again crafted one of Toronto’s essential summer experiences.
Dream in High Park: Twelfth Night runs at the High Park Amphitheatre through September 6. Regular tickets are $35, with a limited number of $20 rush tickets available at the gate before each performance.
👉 Tickets and performance information: https://www.canadianstage.com/shows-events/dream-in-high-park-26
Leave a Reply