Shakespeare in the Park Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website. Shakespeare in the Park Amazon link

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Shakespeare in the Park Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Shakespeare in the Park

New York Puzzle Company
Ribbon Cut
100 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 9” x 7”

My Confident Puzzler Difficulty Rating: “Play”fully Easy

Shakespeare in the Park is a term for outdoor festivals featuring productions of William Shakespeare's plays. The term originated with the New York Shakespeare Festival in New York City's Central Park. The first version of Shakespeare in the Park began over 60 years ago with a production of Julius Caesar in 1956. Its current Central Park home, the Delacorte Theatre, opened in 1962 with The Merchant of Venice, starring George C. Scott and James Earl Jones.This concept has been adapted by many theatre companies, and over time, this name has expanded to encompass outdoor theatre productions of the playwright's works performed all over the world.

This cheeky New Yorker cover made me smile. And the simple pleasure of piecing it together was relaxing and fun!

I knew the word cheeky and wanted to use it, but I didn’t know the exact meaning. When I googled it, the dictionary definition seemed too derogatory. I kept hunting and found this quote in answer to the question . . .
“Why do Brits say cheeky so often?”

“Brits are famous for their sense of humour, and we like to take life a little less seriously than other nations do. We take pleasure in being playful, so we often use the word “cheeky” to describe small, fun, frivolous activities that make us smile.”

Well, that certainly seemed appropriate given the subject of this puzzle is Britain’s most noted playwright. Listen, it’s not easy to fill up a review about a 100 piece puzzle, so I thought it terribly clever to add that information. Am I being cheeky now?

Quality: One point away from A+ — loose piece fit. Not that much of an issue, with so few pieces. Otherwise it comes in a very small (4” x 4” x 1.5”), travel size, sturdy box. The full illustration is on the box top. Inside is a sealed bag of pieces. There was no puzzle dust. The solid pieces have the least bit of sheen. None were damaged or together uncut, none were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. After turning all the pieces face up, I pulled out the edge pieces, then sorted out the text, the trees, the foliage and grass, the parts of the Shakespeares, and the solid yellow and solid brown areas. Asking why bother? It only took a couple minutes, why not? (Cheeky still?)

Construction: I built the frame first. I filled in the rest starting from the top. Okay, there was no challenge, just fun, and that’s just fine, at least sometimes.

Final thoughts: Yes, challenge is built in to a lot of puzzle illustrations, and definitely can enhance the puzzling experience, but participating in the puzzling process always is the same - it clears the mind and offers calm. So, a 100 piece puzzle has its place for lots of reasons. You only have a free hour or so — get a puzzle fix! Traveling for work or play - throw these in your travel bag and enjoy puzzling at the end of a busy day. When it’s about time to go to sleep, sit up in bed, put a small foam board on your lap, and do one to relax. The NY Puzzle Company calls their sizable selection of 100 piece puzzles “Mini” but they have a nice presence when complete. Many are artful and can be displayed in a ready made 9” x 7” frame. (Because of loose piece fit, glue or tape is required.) Most of all, they are just plain, unadulterated fun!

My grades: Quality A-, Fun Factor A++

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About: New York Puzzle Company, Where Art and Puzzles Unite

Introduction

The New York Puzzle Company has earned a reputation as a premier puzzle manufacturer, renowned for its commitment to quality, diverse artwork styles, and engaging puzzle collections. With a rich history and a wide range of puzzle piece counts, the New York Puzzle Company has become a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. In this article, we delve into the history of the company, explore their artwork themes and styles, and highlight the famous artist collaborations, including their popular Mini Collection.

A Journey Through the History of the New York Puzzle Company

Founded in 2007 by two friends with a passion for jigsaw puzzles, the New York Puzzle Company quickly established itself as a leader in the industry. From its humble beginnings, the company's dedication to creating high-quality puzzles with captivating artwork propelled its growth and popularity.

Artwork Styles and Themes

One of the distinguishing features of the New York Puzzle Company is its vast array of artwork styles and themes. Catering to a wide range of interests and preferences, their puzzles showcase a diverse selection of images, ensuring there is something for everyone.

From whimsical illustrations and nostalgic vintage designs to vibrant cityscapes and stunning nature scenes, the New York Puzzle Company's artwork spans a broad spectrum of styles. Each puzzle is a work of art in itself, carefully selected to appeal to puzzle enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

Collaborations with Famous Artists and the Mini Collection

The New York Puzzle Company has collaborated with renowned artists to bring their captivating artwork to life as jigsaw puzzles. These collaborations have resulted in unique and highly sought-after puzzle collections.

One notable collection is the Mini Collection, featuring puzzles with a smaller piece count, typically ranging from 100 to 500 pieces. This collection showcases artwork from famous artists, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of their work in a more compact puzzle format. The Mini Collection offers a diverse range of artistic styles and themes to engage puzzle solvers.

Puzzle Piece Counts for Every Skill Level

The New York Puzzle Company recognizes that puzzle enthusiasts come in all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. To cater to different preferences and abilities, they offer a wide range of puzzle piece counts.

For those seeking a leisurely puzzling experience or for beginners, the New York Puzzle Company offers puzzles with lower piece counts, typically ranging from 300 to 500 pieces. These puzzles provide an approachable challenge while still allowing solvers to enjoy the intricacies of the artwork.

For more experienced puzzlers looking for a greater challenge, the company offers puzzles with higher piece counts, ranging from 1,000 pieces and beyond. These puzzles require dedication, focus, and problem-solving skills, offering a rewarding and immersive experience.

Conclusion

The New York Puzzle Company has established itself as a leader in the puzzle industry, offering a wide range of high-quality puzzles with captivating artwork. With their diverse collection of artwork styles and themes, collaborations with famous artists, and various puzzle piece counts, they have something to offer every puzzle enthusiast.

Whether you're drawn to whimsical illustrations, nostalgic scenes, or vibrant cityscapes, the New York Puzzle Company provides a gateway to the joy of puzzling and the beauty of art. With each piece carefully placed, you embark on a journey of creativity, relaxation, and the satisfaction of completing a captivating work of art, piece by piece.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)