Dame Judi Dench Sends Congratulations to the Michigan Shakespeare Festival

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival, the official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan, is thrilled to announce that Oscar, Tony, and multiple Olivier award winning actress Dame Judi Dench has renewed her support of the MSF mission and 2013 season.

"The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has come so far and offers so much great theatre. I heard about the Wilde Awards they won last year - I am excited about this year's season!" said Dame Judi. "I am also encouraged to hear that Michigan's Governor Snyder is seeing the merits of culture in the state. As I have noted before, the Arts are absolutely necessary, they create a better quality of life - people will come to experience that. My hope is that more will head to Jackson and partake in the Festival. I, my daughter, Finty and my grandson, Sammy, will be there in a heartbeat if we don't have shows on!"

Considered one of the foremost interpreters of Shakespeare's work, the acclaimed star of stage, film, and television is proud of the Festival's development, and praises its commitment to the whole Great Lakes Region. "It is so inspiring that the MSF is committed to offering young and old alike the opportunity to experience Shakespeare with their year round outreach programs."

Ms. Dench is a staunch advocate of inclusiveness in the arts. "I see the arts as a family affair. My education was in the Theatre. I raised my family in the theatre. I believe that I am in the business of nurturing. I tell stories, yes, but to help others. I am proud to be part of a Festival that believes the same. Support the Festival - buy a ticket!" Dame Judi is currently starring in the London's West End hit, Peter and Alice about the people who inspired Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan.

Under the guidance of award-winning Artistic Director Janice L Blixt, the MSF has maintained the high production values and its adherence to professional standards associated with the Festival from the beginning. "Like last season, I'm going to have a big silly grin on my face for weeks over this. To have the praise and support of Judi, one the truly great actors of Shakespeare of the 20th and 21st centuries, is such an honor-an amazing and incredible honor. We're thrilled about the work we're doing on the 2013 Season, and we're thrilled to have Dame Judi Dench as our Champion. "

Dame Judi adds, "I am the luckiest person in the world. People come from all over the world to see me be someone else. And I get to share wonderful stories. But people don't need to travel to the ends of the earth - these great stories are being told in their own backyard. I'm jealous, quite frankly. In Michigan you can see some great Shakespeare, have dinner and wine at a vineyard, and listen to some great music. I want people to go out and celebrate these stories with their friends and family. That is what's important. And then send some of your joyous weather across the pond, because I need it!"

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival Season of Twelfth Night, King John and Oliver Goldsmith's She Stoops to Conquer runs July 18- August 11 at the Potter Center in Jackson, Michigan. For tickets call the JCC Box Office at 517-796-8600 or visit www.MichiganShakespeareFestival.com. For information about group tours or educational outreach programs please call 517-998-3673 or emailmsf@acd.net.

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