After Labor Day, the well-heeled and well-known flee the East Coast summer mecca that is the Hamptons, and with them goes the Hamptons Shakespeare Festival. The troupe will give its last performance of Much Ado About Nothing at Agawam Park in Southhampton on Sept. 3.
The Fest's 2000 season began with Much Ado running Aug. 2-20 (officially opening Aug. 5) at the Theodore Roosevelt County Park in Montauk (although Montauk, at Land's End, is not officially thought of as a Hampton). The comedy then moved further inland, to Southhampton, where it began performances Aug. 25.
Executive Director David M. Brandenburg has set the classic battle-of-the sexes comedy in post-World War II America. Why? Something to do with the sexual excitement preceding the baby boom. The actors include Renee Howard and Alice Vienneau.
Admission is free, though a $10 donation is suggested. For information, call (631) 267-0105.
--By Robert Simonson
