Much Ado About Shakespeare At 12th Annual Festival
Can one desire too much of a good thing? That is a question Shakespeare asks in As You Like It, coming soon to The University of Akron Wayne College as part of its 12th annual Shakespeare Festival.
The American Shakespeare Center on Tour, the touring arm of the American Shakespeare Center and the Blackfriars Playhouse, based in Staunton, Va., performs part of its 2010/11 Restless Ecstasy Tour with As You Like It on Friday, Nov. 5 and Macbeth on Saturday, Nov. 6. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Life Building.
Recently reviewed by The Washington Post as “shamelessly entertaining” and The Boston Globe as “Phenomenal….bursting with energy,” the ensemble of professional actors are chosen specifically for these performances. “We scour the country for the right 10-12 actors to perform all these roles in all of these plays," says ASC Artistic Director Jim Warren. “Not only are we looking for the right talent to do these shows, but we're also looking for personalities we think will gel into a dynamic, well-balanced ensemble on and off the stage."
According to Debbie Muniak, events coordinator at Wayne College, ticket sales are ahead of last year and she credits that to changes that were requested by past attendees. “The audience will be pleased with the improved seating plan this year, which allows for a better view of the stage,” she explains. “We are also selling reserved seats for the first time. By purchasing tickets in this way, attendees will have the choice of where they want to sit and they can arrive whenever they like.” She adds that tickets will be available at the door as well.
Another exciting addition made to this year’s festival is the Elizabethan-themed dinner on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. Muniak says past attendees requested a full theater experience and asked that dinner be added to the evening’s repertoire. The College has been pleased by the response which has exceeded expectations, with only a limited number of seats still available. “The chef who is preparing the menu researched different foods from that period and has come up with a deliciously interesting menu that also happens to be a great value,” she explains. Dinner reservations are being accepted until Oct. 29.
Tickets are available in the Cashier’s Office at Wayne College or by calling 330-683-8932 to charge by phone. Cash, check or Visa/Mastercard/Discover accepted.
Prices for adults are $10 (show only, Friday or Saturday) or $25 for dinner and show (Saturday only) and $5 students (show only, Friday or Saturday) and $20 dinner and show (Saturday only). Parents should be aware that both performances are intended for those ages 12 and older.
For more information call 330-684-8729 or e-mail Shakespeare@uakron.edu. Information about the performers and background on the storylines can be found at www.americanshakespearecenter.com.
Wayne College is a regional campus of The University of Akron and is located at 1901 Smucker Road, Orrville, Ohio.