I got up early today to get tickets in Central Park for Shakespeare in the Park. In line at around 8:30, I was hoping for a free ticket for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, possibly my favorite play. By the time I lined up, a large line of hopeful theater-goers already existed, people with blankets, chairs, and even air-mattresses set up for the long wait.

I had never tried to get tickets for Shakespeare in the Park before and it was quite an experience. Around 9 am, a Shakespeare-in-the-Park-line-Nazi came by and gave a big scary speech about line etiquette and our chances of actually getting tickets. She warned us it would be several hours before the line moved. My friends and I easily passed the time just chatting. With such a beautiful day, just waiting in the park with good company was a worthwhile experience. As the line began to move and we edged towards the theater, it really looked as though we would get tickets. However, when we were about 10 people from the theater, the line-Nazi appear to cheerfully tell us that all tickets and vouchers had been given out.

It was rather sad, but at least I’d spent the day outdoors with good friends. I hear the chances of getting tickets will be even worse tomorrow. One dream lost.