CHICAGO—Midsommer Flight is presenting one of Shakespeare’s earliest, funniest comedies, “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” for its summer season in Chicago’s parks. The company has created a wonderful revival.
First presented in London in the 1590s, the play was performed for Queen Elizabeth. Shakespeare believed she would enjoy the battle-of-the-sexes plot. The romantic comedy languished for centuries afterward because its language was so era-specific that producers thought it would be too difficult for modern theatergoers to understand.
But under director Beth Wolf’s steady hands, the work’s intricate wordplay and witty dialogue comes through loud and clear. Indeed, it’s not only easy to understand, but a triumph.
A Modern Triumph
The story begins as King Ferdinand of Navarre and his lords commit themselves to search for immortal fame. They believe they will find it by sleeping for only three hours a night and swearing off the worldly pleasures of women. They want to make sure they won’t be thrown off course, so they promise to devote themselves to three years of study in their attempt to find the answer to the ultimate, most important question of the universe: What will they be remembered for?If they avoid seeing women, they believe their sacrifice will secure their legacy. This being a comedy, though, of course, something goes haywire. Their self-imposed isolation is disrupted by the arrival of the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting. This throws a monkey wrench into their plans, which leads to madcap slapstick humor as the men struggle to reconcile their vows with their natural desires. Indeed, what makes the King and his followers ridiculous is that they underestimate their own hearts, believing that reason alone is the key to understanding life’s secrets.
Along with being a fun romantic comedy, “Love’s Labour’s Lost” explores the importance of self-awareness and how intellectual pursuit can occasionally go wrong. Throughout the play, Shakespeare mocks academics.
The Chicago Production
Presented in a verdant green Chicago park, the set by Isa Noe and the luxurious costuming by Rachel M. Sypniewski take us back to Elizabethan England.
(L–R) Longaville (Dane Brandon), Berowne (Brandon Beach), King Ferdinand (Joshua Pennington), and Dumaine (Travis Ascione), in "Love's Labour's Lost." Tom McGrath/ TCMcG Photography
The sound system works well so that everyone can hear Shakespeare’s exquisite dialog. Indeed, his extravagant language is on full display as the men try to communicate their emotions but get lost in a maze of words. It’s Shakespeare’s lesser characters who see their foolishness, sometimes simply stating that they’re confused. Of greatest importance for the enjoyment of this play is that the actors speak so that theatergoers can understand everything they are saying.
As Ferdinand, Joshua Pennington comes across as vulnerable and charming. Vanessa Copeland is a convincing Princess who is anything but a wilting flower. She’s enchanting, especially when she makes fun of Ferdinand.
Among the King’s three buddies, in compelling turns, are Dane Brandon as Longaville, Travis Ascione as Dumaine, and Brandon Beach as Berowne, the wisest of all. He warns the king of problems ahead.
(L–R) Princess (Vanessa Copeland), Rosaline (Danielle Kerr), Maria (Juliet Kang Huneke), and Katherine (Lydia Moss), in "Love's Labour's Lost." Tom McGrath, TCMcG Photography
Flanking the Princess are a delightful retinue that includes Daniele Kerr as Rosaline, Lydia Moss as Katherine, Juliet Kang Huneke as Maria, and Hayley Rice as Boyet. They’re at their best gossiping and laughing at the men and each other.
In addition, there are some great comic portrayals by Drew Longo as Don Armado, Ruby Sevcik as Jaquenetta, Travis Shanahan as Costard, and Barry Irving as Nathaniel. Furthermore, the standout Michael Girts as Constable Dull encapsulates the heart of the comedy; he admits he has no idea what anyone is talking about when they use their high falutin’ language.
Bring your blankets, chairs, and picnics, and enjoy a balmy summer night under the stars and laugh along with Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost.”
‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’
Midsommer Flight presents at Chicago Park District Parks
Tickets: Free, MidsommerFlight.com
Runs: 2 hours (no intermission)
Closes: Aug. 3, 2025
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