Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Michigan Shakespeare Festival to
Perform in Grand Rapids

June 12, 2008

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival will bring a season of romance and rivalry, comedy and conspiracy to Grand Rapids. The only fully professional Shakespeare company in Michigan and designated the Official Shakespeare Festival of the state, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival will present "All's Well That Ends Well" and "Julius Caesar" at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre from Friday, Aug. 1 thru Sunday, Aug. 3. These two widely diverse plays will showcase the Festival's 2008 season and mark the Festival's first tour from its home base in Jackson. Critically acclaimed and award winning performances have highlighted the Festival's 14-year history.

When asked why Grand Rapids was chosen for the Festival's first tour, Artistic Producer John Neville-Andrews replied, "As the second-largest city in the state and one well known for its love of the performing arts, reaching out to west Michigan audiences was an obvious choice for the expansion of our mission and commitment to classical theatre. We are most grateful for the cooperation of all the staff at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre in helping our dream become a reality."

"All's Well That Ends Well" is a romance comedy that explores the deeper themes of society's view of merit and rank as well as the value of honor and integrity. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1 and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2. "Julius Caesar", one of Shakespeare's most popular and quoted plays, is a tale of soaring ambition, power abused, moral turmoil, and searing guilt. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2 and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3.

Added attractions for audiences include two special features. "Bard Talks" provide an opportunity for audience members to get an overview of the play and answers to questions before the performance. They will be offered on Saturday, Aug. 2 one hour prior to each performance. "Talk Backs" give the audience members a chance to meet the directors and actors in an intimate setting following the performance. "Talk Backs" will be offered after the Friday and Saturday evening performances. There is no charge for either the "Bard Talks" or "Talk Backs" sessions.

Tickets begin at only $24 and student discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at 616-456-3333 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. The Festival will present the same plays in Jackson from July 15 through July 27 in the Baughman Theatre at Jackson Community College's Potter Center. Tickets in Jackson are available at 866-705-2636 or by clicking here.

>> Get directions to the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 via Google Maps.