A once-in-a-lifetime national touring exhibition commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 1616 is coming to Lake County! First Folio! The National touring exhibit of of Shakespeare’s First Folio, which is a volume of all of Shakespeare’s plays and was the first time 18 of them had been published. Published seven years after his death, there were only 233 copies and the Folger Library holds 82 of them. To celebrate the 400th Anniversary of his death, the Folger Library has sent one to every state in the United States to be on display for free. The Lake County Discovery Museum will have the only one in Illinois.
The exhibit is being offered with free admission due to a major grant and support from donors. In addition, local libraries and the museum will be offering a host of programming, free, for the month of February to celebrate The Bard and this important work of art. We’ve collected the ones that are just for kids or are the most family-friendly so you can introduce your children to Shakespeare this month.
First Folio! Events for Kids
3 February 5:00 p.m. - TONIGHT!
Lake County Discovery Museum, Wauconda
Opening Reception - View the exhibition, ‘First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare’ and stay to hear Rick Mallette, Professor Emeritus, Lake Forest College discuss what would have been lost without the First Folio and how the First Folio gives us a view of the playwright’s work as a whole. All ages. FREE. Reception opens at 5 p.m., lecture begins at 6 p.m. No registration required.
6 February - All Day
Wauconda Area Library
Celebrate the Bard - An all-day celebration of Shakespeare! The Wauconda High School Madrigal Singers will perform at 11:30 a.m. At 2:30 p.m. Master Falconer Mark Booth will present.
7 February 2:00
Ela Area Library, Lake Zurich
50-Minute Hamlet - The Shakespeare Project of Chicago presents their original adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet utilizing just two actors ,while presenting many of the Bard’s most-famous lines and speeches, all while retaining much of his saga’s pathos, poetry and passion. Suitable for children in Kindergarten and up, registration is required.
10 February 7:00 p.m.
Fremont Public Library, Mundelein
A Play on Words with the Kirk Players - Shakespeare created more than 1,700 words—still in use today-by changing many existing nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, and by adding prefixes and suffixes to them. In this 60-minute workshop led by The Kirk Players, we will be using many of these Shakespearian words in small group skits, using attendees that come out to “play” with us. You don’t need to have any knowledge of theatre or Shakespeare to participate. All ages welcome. Registration Required.
12 February 1:00 p.m.
Wauconda Area Library
Midwinter Fairy Party - Calling all friends of fairies, elves, and other wee forest folk! You’re invited to a special party filled with enchanting games and activities! For children in kindergarten through second grade, registration required.
13 February 11:00 a.m.
Fox Lake District Library
Book/Movie Crew - Read the book, come see the movie! “Gnomeo & Juliet” will be shown, pick up a copy of Bruce Coville’s version of “Romeo & Juliet” at circulation to read before hand.
13 February 1:00 p.m.
Lake County Discovery Museum, Wauconda
Inside The Tempest: Performance Preview- This presentation will explore the characters, themes, historical context and contemporary relevance of Shakespeare’s last great masterpiece, “The Tempest.” The director and creative team behind the College of Lake County’s “The Tempest” will share their artistic vision and present a preview of what audiences can expect from the Feb. 26 - March 5 production. All ages, registration required.
14 February 1:00 p.m.
Lake County Discovery Museum, Wauconda
Elizabethan Fair - A day of celebration as the Bristol Renaissance Faire brings 16th century England to the Lake County Discovery Museum! Meet Queen Elizabeth, watch performances of Shakespeare’s work, immerse yourself in hands-on crafts of the era and enjoy musical pieces which inspired William Shakespeare. Presented by the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Free.
15 February 10:00 a.m.
Ela Area Library, Lake Zurich
Falconer - Children in Kindergarten through 6th grade are invite to see The Medieval Falconer and learn the history of these magnificent birds of prey.
16 February 10:00 a.m.
Lake County Discovery Museum, Wauconda
Shakespeare’s Starling - The European starling appeared in Shakespeare’s plays but how did it get to North America? Through stories, a craft and a short hike learn how some invasive birds arrived and adapted to survive. Families with children ages 4 and up. FREE. Registration required.
27 February 10:00 a.m.
Lake County Discovery Museum
Wauconda High School Performance - Students and faculty from Wauconda High School will perform scenes, readings and music from Shakespeare and other artists of the Elizabethan period. Registration required.
27 February 7:00 p.m.
David Adler Music and Arts Center, Libertyville
Ellen William & Jen Vanselow: Shakespeare Meets Song - A concert celebrating Shakespeare’s First Folio. $20 General Admission, $15 Adler Member, $10 Student. All ages, registration required. Visit website or call 847-367-0707
27 February 7:30 p.m.
James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, Grayslake
The Tempest - “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare will be directed by Craig Rich and presented Feb. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 28 at 2 p.m..; March 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m.; and March 4 at 10 a.m. (high school matinee) in the Studio Theatre, James Lumber Center for the Performing Art at the College of Lake County. Tickets are $12 general public and $10 for CLC students and staff/Teen/Seniors 65+ (prices include a $2 JLC facility fee) For more information on tickets, call (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.
28 February 2:00 p.m.
Highland Park Library
“Cymbeline” Reading - Equity actors from the Shakespeare Project of Chicago present a theatrical reading of this twist-filled tale that introduces an evil queen, an innocent young princess, an upstanding young man, a conniving villain, and a titular king. Filled with intrigue and romance. A discussion with the cast follows the performance. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration is not required.
First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare
on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library
February 3 - 28, 2016
Lake County Discovery Museum
Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 N.forest Preserve Drive, Wauconda
(847) 968-3400 | Facebook
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