“3 Shakespeare comedies on tap for this summer. Could Olympia become a mini Ashland?”

“This is South Sound’s summer of Shakespeare — and at least some of those involved with the three al fresco productions are hoping it will be the first of many.

“The Bard’s bounty of free theater begins this weekend with Animal Fire Theatre Co.’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and Goldfinch Productions’ “As You Like It.” It will continue in August with “The Tempest,” produced by Oly Arts founder Ned Hayes.

“Shakespeare in the park is nothing new in Olympia and environs, where Animal Fire has been staging shows since 2010, most often in Priest Point Park.”

“Both Hayes and Goldfinch artistic director Kevin McManus said Animal Fire’s success was an inspiration for their first-time efforts. And Animal Fire is having what Douglas termed a “growth year,” having received its first grant, a matching grant from the City of Olympia, to fund the purchase of tripods to use to anchor sets.”

“‘I’ve been a big fan of Animal Fire for as long as it has existed,’ said McManus, who’s directing “As You Like It,” which premieres Sunday in Yelm before moving to Olympia. ‘Olympia and the surrounding area seem to have responded very well, and I don’t know that one production fulfills the needs of the community,” by Molly Gilmore, Contributing writer, The Olympian. Read more