Worried that you missed your opportunity to get to Canada’s Stratford Festival to see the world’s greatest performances of Shakespeare?
No worries, as Grand Valley State University will host the 22nd annual Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival, Michigan’s oldest and largest Shakespeare Festival, right here this fall.
So much more than just a festival, this multi-week event gives you a chance to pace yourself over the next five weeks as you get to attend multiple events beginning October 2 and concluding November 7.
What began quite humbly in 1993 has grown to attract 6,000 patrons each season to the Allendale Campus where it is held.
Here is a complete list as well as the venue where each production or activity will be held.
“All’s Well That Ends Well”
October 2, 8, 9, 10, at 7:30 p.m.
October 3, 4, 11, at 2 p.m.
Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center
*Opening night reception to follow October 2 performance
This classic work tells the story of a woman in pursuit of a man of higher social position than herself. Yes, it is still funny after all these years - a sign of good art.
“My Sighs Stream: Comedy and Empowerment in ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’”
Presented by Grant Mudge, Guest Scholar-in-Residence
Friday, October 2, at 4 p.m.
Pere Marquette Room, Kirkhof Center
*A reception will precede this presentation at 3 p.m.
Hosted by Grant Mudge, artistic director for the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival and the founding artistic director for the Richmond Shakespeare Festival in Virginia.
Renaissance Faire and Greenshow
October 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. - dusk
Cook Carillon Tower lawn
The ultimate (and probably first) dress-up party of all parties as guests engage in all things Renaissance. Extreme feminists might want to steer clear of this typically over-the-top role-play-driven event.
Bard To Go presents “Witty Fools and Foolish Wits”
Friday, October 9, at 2 p.m. (preview show), Mary Idema Pew Library
Saturday, November 7, at 1 p.m. (public performance), Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center
Think of this as a greatest hits of The Bard on stage. It is sure to please any Shakespeare fan.
See website for all the details.
www.gvsu.edu/shakes