Our daughter in law is the production manager for the show so we went with her. The venue was awesome! It was in the middle of redwoods by a golf course up in the hills. It was peaceful and beautiful. You could hear owls hooting and at one point, one of them flew directly over the stage and audience! I was dreading it because I have never cared for Shakespeare but by the end I was in tears when everyone died! The actors were fantastic, the venue was fantastic and the food was fantastic, but pricey. You can bring your own food and drinks and picnic on the grounds. It was the closing show of the season but there was no let down in the quality of the performance. Most of the actors are classically trained in Shakespearean acting. Super high quality for a small outdoor theater production. Can't wait to go there again! I am a Shakespeare convert!

We recently made our first visit to the new venue at The Grove in DeLaveaga Park to see The Winter's Tale. A nice venue with mostly permanent seats, but also some sections that are specified for either blankets or beach chairs. Concessions are available and food can be pre-ordered for pick-up. There is a picnic area just a short walk away in a nice shaded area. The show was nicely done - well staged, well acted. The only downside is that we were in the front row of the back section - actually a great place to sit - but at times we had difficulty hearing the dialogue. As long as the actor spoke directly into the audience it was very clear. But at times actors turn away from the audience during the action and at those times we had to strain to hear what was being said. It didn't lessen our enjoyment of the show but it did surprise us. The Winter's Tale was an evening performance in mid-August and it got very cold and damp. We had only one blanket to share between us but wished we each had our own. All in all a very nice Summer Shakespeare experience and we will definitely attend again.

What an experience! Shakespeare at Santa Cruz is in a stunning location with equally stunning actors. I have been to a few shows and have never been disappointed. Make sure you bring your own blankets (although you can buy one there, and money goes back into the arts), food and comfy cushions for the chair. Light refreshments are available throughout the show. The setting is quite intimate, and the actors are often walking within the audience- which just absorbs you into the show even more! A true delight.

The new location is great. The seating is very comfortable and it is easy to see and hear. The outdoor venue adds to the experience. Acting is good, lots of humor. We saw the Fringe Show with only intern actors and it was amazing. A definite must see !!

A must see!! Outstanding acting and creative productions. And the new home at the Audrey Stanley Grove in Upper DeLaveage Park is a perfect setting for outdoor theater.