Professional Theater News from Around Town
local festival gains regional, national recognition
JACKSON – The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has announced that its 2006 season has been recommended in regional and national publications. The Fort Wayne (Indiana) Magazine June edition, in an article titled "A Don't Miss Dozen," included the Michigan Shakespeare Festival as one of "the coolest festivals around." The half-page full color story highlights the ease of access from Indiana as well as pricing information and mention of the dinner/theatre package opportunities on two Festival Saturdays (July 29 and August 5).
Recently out on the newsstands was the June 5 edition of Newsweek. In the travel section of its regular feature "Tip Sheet," the Michigan Shakespeare Festival is one of five excursions recommended. "Sword and quill not included."
Said Mary Matthews, MSF managing director, "We are, of course, thrilled to be included in the recommended summer activities of two prestigious journals. It is certainly an acknowledgment of the artist quality of our productions and recognition that the Michigan Shakespeare Festival is, in fact, a regional attraction."
The 2006 season, the Festival's 12th, will present "Hamlet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in repertory from July 18 thru August 6. n addition, the Festival presents a family show that is age-appropriate for pre-school thru early elementary children. This summer's offering will be "Rats!," a 21st century re-telling of the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamlin.
The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is hosted and sponsored in part by Jackson Community College and in cooperation with the University of Michigan Department of Theatre and Drama. It is the only fully professional Shakespeare company in the state and is honored to bear the designation of "The Official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan.
Performances are held at the Baughman Theatre of the Potter Center at Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd. Jackson.
For ticket information and reservations call, toll-free, 1-866-705-2636.
Stratford Festival News:
'The Glass Menagerie' now playing at the Stratford Festival
STRATFORD, ONT – The Stratford Festival of Canada's production of Tennessee Williams' acclaimed drama "The Glass Menagerie," with Seana McKenna as Amanda Wingfield, opened May 31 at the Avon Theatre. "The Glass Menagerie" is a story of a fragile family – Tom Wingfield longs to escape his dead-end job and the stifling home life he endures with his overbearing and self-deluding mother. First, though, he tries to make provision for Laura, his withdrawn and emotionally fragile sister, only to find that dreams of the heart, once awakened, are all too easily shattered.
The production is directed by Miles Potter, with sets and costumes designed by Peter Hartwell. The lighting designer is Kevin Fraser and the sound designer is Jim Neil. Marc Desormeaux is the composer and Nicola Pantin is the choreographer.
"The Glass Menagerie" features Matthew MacFadzean as Jim O'Connor (the Gentleman Caller), Steven Sutcliffe as Tom Wingfield and Sara Topham as Laura Wingfield.
"The Glass Menagerie" plays in repertory until October 22.
Tickets are available at 1-800-567-1600 or through stratfordfestival.ca.
