Sept. 17, 2024

Pigeon Creek Shakespeare’s Engaging ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Opens Arts, Lecture Series Sept. 19

A “Rat Pack-faithful” take on William Shakespeare’s late 16th century work “Much Ado About Nothing” is the opening presentation for Ferris State University’s Arts and Lecture Series.

The show is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, with a performance that is free and open to the public in Williams Auditorium, 630 S Michigan Ave.

“We are striving for a communal experience, which I really enjoy, and it should create a lively presence and a different sort of experience to those with apprehensions or other notions about such classical works,” said Dennis Henry, assistant professor of Humanities, who is the director.

Henry has enjoyed several other collaborations with Pigeon Creek Shakespeare over the last decade.

“They were established in 1998 and brought Shakespeare to Pigeon Creek Park in West Olive. Mosty of the troupe is based in Grand Haven,” Henry said. “We have been practicing for our schedule at the Masonic Theatre in Grand Rapids, as the Dog Story Theatre downtown has road renovation nearby.”

Henry said Pigeon Creek Shakespeare’s players will offer the performance with traditional elements of the English master’s works, and a more contemporary interpretation.

“The audience will be set on three sides of the stage, with the audience lit as well,” Henry said. “The language is meant to be understandable, with a tribute to Las Vegas in the 1960s as the subtext for this performance.

Appropriately themed music will be part of the presentation and intermission, staying true to Shakespeare’s language with the audience afforded real consideration and opportunity for interaction.”

Henry sees a great opportunity with the show.

For more information about the performance, contact Arts and Lectures at (231) 591-3626 at least 72 hours in advance of the presentation.

There are four events on the Arts and Lectures Series’ 2024-25 schedule.