A huge heartfelt thank you to so many for the great community effort and the great turnout at last weekend’s inaugural Shakespeare at the Lake event.

We were thrilled to see so many people out Saturday and Sunday Night, at Library Park in Lakeport, for Mendocino College and Lake County Theatre Co.’s presentation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

We estimated that nearly 500 people attended over the two nights. Thank you to all who braved the heat to come out and see the show, you were both wonderful audiences.

As director, I can assure you, this event was no easy task. It took the dedicated effort of many people to bring Lake County an outdoor production like ours. There were more than 20 actors onstage, and that is only the beginning!

The entire community was a part of making this happen, covering details and issues, and any number of things, expected or unexpected, which are sure to arise on such a journey. I am grateful to one and all who jumped aboard and lent a hand.

From cast and crew, to the many community groups that were involved, and the business and organizations that sponsored the event, the number of individuals that helped our success is inspiring. A big thank you to you all.

While I will not attempt to list everyone who helped here, I would like to point out a few who were particularly instrumental to the project.

First, and early, Richard Smith, who approached me and offered his help as producer. I am a dreamer and an artist, with some, very simple, idea of what it takes to produce a play. Richard has done it before now, and did it well again, and his guidance was key in keeping me on track and under budget.

Wilda Shock and the entire Lake County Friends of Mendocino College organization also have been a great resource for planning and fundraising.

It was under the guidance of Steve Hixenbaugh as interim dean of the Lake Center of Mendocino College that this show found a home at Library Park. Margaret Silveira, Lakeport City manager, readily agreed to the idea to stage the show in Library Park, and all of the city of Lakeport for accepted it.

Lake County Theatre Co. quickly said yes to revitalizing the partnership with Mendocino College; their support was also very valuable.

And to all of those who were involved, know that I am grateful and moved by the tremendous devotion and support this fine community of Lake County has to offer.

Now we can look back on the production and say, “We did it!”

I say it with pride, joy and inspiration that rests in the hearts and on the shoulders of all that touched this project: actors, crew, community sponsors, volunteers, and, yes, audience.

I have been overjoyed beyond compare at the outcome of our work. It was lovely to watch, hear, to feel a part of this long tradition of Shakespeare, to look forward to the possibility of a new tradition of Shakespeare in Lake County, and to know, “We did it!” And also to hope we can do it again.

Beyond that, “I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.”
 
John Tomlinson was director of Shakespeare at the Lake's production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which was performed in Lakeport, Calif.