Michigan Shakespeare Festival To Run 6/12 -8/12

By: Jun. 08, 2012
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Preparations began in earnest this week as actors, technical artists and staff converged on Jackson, Michigan for the 2012 season of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival. As sets were being built, costumes sewn and sound and lighting artist were hard at work, the full Acting Company began rehearsals for Shakespeare's Richard III and Love's Labour's Lost as well as George Bernard Shaw's classic Pygmalion. At the same time, advance ticket sales continue to outpace all previous records.

"We have a superb Acting Company that can't wait to bring these plays to life," stated Artistic Director Janice L. Blixt who will direct the Tragedy of Richard III. "The level of intensity is already apparent as we went through choreography for the fight scenes in Richard III during our first two days. Those scenes are going to be spectacular." Perhaps the greatest villain in literature, Richard uses cunning intelligence, fearsome charm, and political wit to overthrow every rival standing between him and the Throne of England.

In contrast with the drama of Richard III, the Festival will also feature two plays in a lighter vein. Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost tells the story of a king, a princess, love, country bumpkins enjoying silly courtships, and a fantastical Spanish swordsman. This wittily effervescent combination of puns, allusions, and sophisticated word play is perfect entertainment for a summer's day or evening. George Bernard Shaw's period romance Pygmalion rounds out the season with a bright and funny battle of wills between renowned phonetics professor, Henry Higgins, and the lowly street-smart flower girl he is determined to turn into a lady, Eliza Doolittle. Pygmalion is the gold-standard of classical comedy, and the basis for Lerner and Lowe's timeless musical My Fair Lady.

Managing Director BArt Williams concurred, noting that "Our audiences have come to expect productions that are the equal of any you can see anywhere in North America and this year promises to be our best festival yet. So if you haven't booked your seats yet, now is the time to do so." The festival season opens with previews on July 12 and runs through August 12. "We still have great seats available at very affordable prices during our matinee previews coming up July 14, 15 and 21 and for the regular season."

Preview ticket prices start at $16. Regular performances begin at $32 with discounts for students, seniors, groups. The connection between ticket prices and fundraising was stressed by Williams. "We have worked hard to keep ticket prices affordable in this economy and we have succeeded," he noted, "but consequently we still need to secure more donors and sponsors to support our ongoing fundraising efforts." Tickets can be purchased and donations made now through the Michigan Shakespeare Festival website at www.michiganshakespearefestival.com. For more information call the Michigan Shakespeare Festival office at (517) 998-3673.



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