Sight and Sounds at Waterside Place takes on Shakespeare

The clouds blocked the sunset, but there was still plenty to see and hear at the latest installment of Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place. 

Lakewood Ranch resident Krista Aquino often stops by Waterside Place to take in the sunset on the weekends. While disappointed by the clouds, she was pleasantly surprised to see a play instead.

“That’s why all these people are here tonight, how cool,” Aquino said. “Usually, there’s a singer over there.”

The performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was presented by the Asolo Rep on Tour. The actors are enrolled in the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. 

“We take around two years of classes, and then your final year, you essentially intern with the Asolo Repertory Theatre,” Performer Danielle Vivcharenko said. “It’s great. We get to train doing professional shows.” 

While the play is a nod to summer, Waterside Place is already decked out for winter. The plaza is lit up with lights and a Christmas tree towers in front of the pavilion. 

The next installment of Sights and Sounds will be on theme with the holiday decorations when the Out-of-Door Academy presents “Sounds of the Season” on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. The performance will feature members of the school’s chorus, band and orchestra.