By Mary Boyle

Most of the area theatre companies take a break over the summer months, when everyone would rather be outdoors and soaking up the sun, but there are a few whose season only coincides with Wisconsin's warmest months, and they bring their performances outdoors, with an almost exclusive focus on the most famous of playwrights:  William Shakespeare.

Now entering their third season, the Summit Players are a group of mainly Marquette Alumni who are determined to make Shakespeare accessible to families by performing for free at State Parks throughout Wisconsin.  This year, the production is the hilarious Comedy of Errors, and if last season is any indication, they will have the audiences in stitches.  Their plays use the original language, but they are edited for time, and to be as family-friendly as possible, while still retaining the brilliance that the Bard intended.  They even offer a pre-show workshop that is perfect for school-aged kids.  The Players will be just north of Oz at Kohler-Andrae State Park on Saturday, July 29th.  The workshop is at 5:30 p.m., and the show is at 7; note that you will need a vehicle admission sticker to get into the park.  To see the Summit Players full schedule and learn more, go to:  ​www.summitplayerstheatre.com/

Optimist Theatre in Milwaukee has been doing Shakespeare in the Park in Milwaukee since 2010, and they return this season with Much Ado About Nothing.  This year the production has been moved from its old home at Kadish Park to the Marcus Center's outdoor stage, the Peck Pavilion, as part of the Center's Live at the Peck Pavilion Series.  With seating, a roof overhead, and the ability to purchase food and drink on site, this new location is sure to be a big hit.  The production opens for a preview the evening of Thursday, July 6th, and opening night is Friday, July 7th.  All performances begin at 8 p.m., with the exception of a noon matinee on July 18th.  Performances are free, and it is recommended to arrive no later than a half hour before the performance to claim your seats.  The final performance is Saturday, July 22nd.  To see the full schedule and learn more about Optimist Theatre, please visit: ​http://www.optimisttheatre.org

​If you are willing to travel, one of the best outdoor theatre experiences in Wisconsin is in Spring Green at the American Players Theatre.  APT has multiple productions, both modern and classic, throughout the summer on two different outdoor stages, but they never fail to perform at least one of Shakespeare's plays.  This year, APT has selected two by the Bard:  A Midsummer Night's Dream and Pericles: Prince of Tyre.  APT is an incredibly unique theatre experience, and a trip to the Driftless Area is always a treat.  To learn more about APT's complete season, including free concerts, go to: ​https://americanplayers.org/

​As the Bard, himself, wrote:  "All the world's a stage."  His work certainly has traveled the world, and stood the test of time.  Find out why at a stage near you this summer.

There's nothing quite as Americana as the 4th of July in the small town communities of Oz.  Looking for a celebration near you?  Look no further!

Belgium  The celebration begins early in Belgium, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23rd at Heritage Park.

Thiensville  Thiensville's Family Fun Before the 4th is a nearly all-day event, and a great day for the whole family!  On Saturday, June 24th, the parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Follow it to the Village Park, where free ice-cream, live music, and a variety of events await, followed by fireworks at dusk.

​Grafton  Grafton's Independence Day Celebration happens on Saturday, July 1st, in conjunction with the annual Grillin' in Grafton.  The parade begins at Grafton High School at 11 a.m., and makes its way to Centennial Park.  Fireworks will take place at dusk.

Rotary Music Festival in Cedarburg  The Drum Corps International Tour will return to Cedarburg on Monday, July 3, for the 18th Annual Rotary Music Festival. Cedarburg High School Stadium is set to play host to a lineup of 7 World and Open Class corps during this event that will take place on the eve of Independence Day.

Friestadt  It doesn't get any more Americana than Trinity Friestadt's 4th of July Parade and Picnic!  Spend your day enjoying one of Ozaukee County's best kept secrets, beginning with an outdoor worship service at 10 a.m. (weather permitting), an 11 a.m. picnic (complete with root beer floats), a tour of the Trinity Historical Grounds, and a  1 p.m. parade, followed by a flag raising, and the very German music of the Alte Kameraden Band and dancing by the Pommersche Tanzdeel Dancers.

Port Washington  Port's parade begins at 11 a.m. on the 4th; follow it to  Veteran's Park on the lakefront for an old fashioned ice cream social, bicycle judging, a watermelon seed spitting contest, and music throughout the afternoon.  The only fireworks over the lakefront in Oz begin at dusk, and are best seen from Rotary Park or Coal Dock Park.

Saukville  Saukville's parade begins at 1 p.m., going through downtown and ending at Grady Park for a picnic from noon-5 and music from 2-4.   There will be music and food from 5 p.m. until dusk, and  fireworks are at dusk over Peninsula Park.

Cedarburg  Cedarburg's 4th of July Hometown Celebration boasts the largest parade in Ozaukee (roughly 2 hours long!), which begins at Fireman's Park at 10 a.m., and heads south along Washington Ave., making its way to Cedar Creek Park, where a picnic, music,  and activities can be found until 9:30 p.m.  The Madison Scouts perform at 1 p.m., and Dante's Bop will play from 2-7:30 p.m.  The Civic Band performs in the band shell at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30.

Happy Independence Day, Ozaukee!