Michigan Shakespeare Festival

U-M Gilbert & Sullivan Society
to Perform in Jackson

June 27, 2008

For the first time in its 14-year history, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival will produce a non-Shakespeare work as part of its mainstage performance season. "The Mikado" will be presented by the University of Michigan Gilbert & Sullivan Society (UMGASS) and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra in the Baughman Theatre at the Jackson Community College Potter Center from Aug. 1 through Aug. 3. One of the most highly respected Gilbert & Sullivan companies in the country, UMGASS was founded in 1947 and performs at least twice a year.

"The Mikado," arguably the most popular of the operettas, is replete with the characteristics that made Gilbert and Sullivan famous -- a first-rate score, deliciously humorous situations, empathetic characters and an exotic setting. A romantic triangle, a corrupt government official, and a soft-hearted executioner fill the stage with color, wit, infectious music and a healthy dose of spoofing bureaucracy. Director Tom Petiet will guide the talent and energy of the cast and Nathaniel Parker will conduct the music for the three performances on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon.

Mary Matthews, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival's managing director, expressed her delight at the expansion of the Festival's repertoire. "Our mission," she said, "is to provide the highest quality classical theatre experience in the region. Working with UMGASS and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, we are able this summer to bring a sparkling presentation of a non-Shakespearean classical work. We are thrilled with this collaborative effort and pleased that our first production in this area will be done locally, for the benefit of our loyal Jackson audience."

The Festival will continue its tradition of presenting two Shakespeare plays. This season, which Matthews described as one of "rivalry and romance, comedy and conspiracy," will feature ""Julius Caesar"" and "All's Well That Ends Well" from July 15 thru July 27. In addition, the annual production of a Family Show suitable for pre-school through early elementary age children will be the staging of "Three Spinning Fairies" on Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m. in the Ruth Day Theatre at the Potter Center. The Family Show is free for all children and accompanying adults.

While "The Mikado" is on stage in Jackson, the Festival will move its two Shakespeare productions to Grand Rapids for a weekend of performance at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, the home of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.