The schedule is: September 30, October 1, 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m.; October 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 2 p.m.; Mid-week matinees for school groups October 4, 5, and 7 at 10 a.m. All performances at Louis Armstrong Theatre in the Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
Scholar-in-residence Gerald Freedman will give two free presentations on Sept. 30, prior to the mainstage production of "Hamlet." Both are open to the public. He will speak on "Shakespeare and the American Music Theatre" 1-3 p.m. in Loosemore Auditorium at DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids. A reception with the scholar follows. A pre-show discussion of "Hamlet" begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Van Solkema Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus. Freedman is an Obie Award-winning director and the first American director invited to direct at London's Globe Theatre.
"Hamlet" is a captivating spectacle of ghosts, swordplay, and death along with traditional Renaissance themes of frustrated love, betrayal, revenge, and treacherous ambition. A timeless play, "Hamlet" probes the very nature of man and humanity, while bringing us classic lines, including "to be or not to be that is the question."
Veteran director Roger Ellis stages this play with lavish settings designed by Al Sheffield and authentic period costumes designed or obtained by Jill Dole Hamilton.
"We want to give our West Michigan audiences an outstanding and memorable version of the Bard's greatest work," said Ellis. "In fact, it's the most challenging production our festival has undertaken in the past dozen years."
Veteran actor Paul Riopelle returns to Grand Valley to play the title role. He delighted audiences as the Provost in last year's Festival production "Measure for Measure." Another equity actor, Laurel Merlington, an acclaimed performer from Lansing, will play Gertrude. Other cast and production staff includes professional, regional, and student artists.
Period music will be performed by Grand Valley's Early Music Ensemble, led by Pablo Mahave-Veglia, who serves as music director for the production. Recitals are also included before the theatre production and during intermission.
"Hamlet" presents violence and some challenging themes that may be difficult for the youngest audiences, but should provide good discussion for families with middle-school aged children. Festival director Jim Bell recommends the production for ages 8 and up and notes that no children under school age will be admitted to the three-hour production, with two intermissions.
Last year, more than 1,000 students came to Grand Valley to see "Measure for Measure." Once again, mid-week matinees at reduced prices for regional school groups are being offered as part of the festival's educational outreach programs. Reservations necessary for these special performances are made by calling (616) 331-3054.
Tickets for all other performances of "Hamlet" are $6 for all students, $12 for faculty/staff/alumni, and $14 general admission. Purchase in person at the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office by calling (616) 331-2300, or with a service fee through Star Tickets plus at (616) 222-4000. More festival information is available at www.gvsu.edu/shakes.
Other Festival HighlightsRenaissance Festival -- Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2 Begins each day at 10 a.m. on the "greensward" surrounding the Cook Carillon Tower, Allendale Campus (rain or shine). Free family fun features minstrels, bagpipers, jugglers, belly dancers, "live steel" fighting demonstrations, children's games and much more. Vendors will sell everything from period clothing and jewelry to candles and dulcimers, as well as food and drink.
Bard to Go -- free campus performance November 5 Bard to Go is part of the educational outreach program incorporated into the Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival. The touring show "Lovestruck" combines scenes from a variety of popular Shakespeare plays into a 50-minute collage centered on facets of love, including flirtation, passion, jealousy, and betrayal. Last year, performances were done at eight Michigan high schools to more than 1,450 students. In the spring, the show traveled to schools in Jamaica. This year the production of six students and a stage manager will be directed by newcomer Ian Borden. The free public performance is at 1 p.m. in Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids.
