Michigan Shakespeare Festival Announces 2013 Season

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival, the official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan, proudly accepted a standing ovation for the opening performance of Richard III on Saturday night. The darkly funny and deeply dramatic production, crowned by a fully underscored epic Battle of Bosworth Field, stars Michigan native David Turrentine in the title role and features performances by Amy Montgomery, Stacy Stoltz, and Alan Ball.

Following the production, Artistic Director (and director of Richard III) Janice L Blixt and Managing Director BArt Williams announced the 2013 Summer Festival Season which will consist of Twelfth Night, King John, and Oliver Goldmsith’s She Stoops to Conquer. “Twelfth Night is the quintessential Shakespeare comedy,” said Blixt, “It has everything: music, clowns, a shipwreck, mistaken identity, twins, wonderful speeches of pathos and love, and a pirate.” She went on to say, “And I love being able to bring King John, a seldom produced but fascinating historical drama, to the MSF for the first time.”

Goldsmith’s She Stoops To Conquer was originally produced in 1773 and, according to Blixt, “has been classified as a as satire, farce, romantic comedy, and a comedy of manners. Really it’s all of those, and just plain brilliant.”

In addition to the 2013 Season, Blixt also announced that Jeromy Hopgood, Festival Scenic Designer, and Kate Hopgood, Festival Composer and Sound Designer, are joining the ranks of MSF Artistic Associates. Currently, the honor is held by Janet Haley, William Irwin, and David Blixt, all of whom are featured in the current 2012 Season productions. “These are the first Designers we’ve added to the Ensemble of MSF Artists — and it was a bit of a no brainer,” said Blixt. “The look and sound of MSF shows have been amazing in the last three seasons since the Hopgoods came aboard, their talent and professionalism are gifts to our organization.”

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has been hit hard by current economic conditions. Generous donations and grants have helped us launch the 2012 season with three wonderful productions that have been warmly received by audiences and reviewers alike. But there is still much more to do. In order to secure the future of the Festival in future years it is essential that we raise the funds needed to finish this year in the black. You can help. Please make a donation, large or small today. If you have already given, consider adding to your gift with an additional amount. Your gift is fully tax deductible and will be greatly appreciated.

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival runs July 12- August 12 at the Potter Center in Jackson, Michigan, 2111 Emmons Road, 49201. For more information about Partnering, the Shakespeare Tour, Group Bookings, Season Tickets, or Community Outreach please call 517.998.3673, email us at msf@acd.net, or visit www.MichiganShakespeareFestival.com.