Troupe to put on Shakespeare comic tragedy at Spring Lake church Jan. 7-10

Thu, Dec 10, 2009    to del.icio.us

The Grand Haven-based Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Co. will present "Pericles: Prince of Tyre" at Christ Community Church, 225 E. Exchange St. in Spring Lake, Jan. 7-10.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 7-9; and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10.

Scholars believe "Pericles" is a collaboration between Shakespeare and the playwright George Wilkins. The play follows Pericles, the king of Tyre, on an adventure around the Mediterranean as he solves riddles, avoids assassins, wins his wife in a tournament, loses her at sea, and finally rediscovers his family and kingdom after a 16-year odyssey. Combining adventure, comedy, tragedy and a bit of magic, the play is a fairy tale that audiences rarely get the chance to see.

"Our artistic board, who choose play titles, really loved the fairy-tale feeling of the play," said Pigeon Creek Executive Director Katherine Mayberry, who directs this production. "You can't just categorize it as a comedy or a tragedy. It has over-the-top villains, a love story with a brave knight and a princess, kidnapping by pirates, a little bit of magic, and a hard-won reunion of parents and child. It's like a really fun bedtime story."

The play's cast includes Kat Hermes, Sean Kelley, Pat Kepley, Scott Lange, Arielle Leverett, Elle Lucksted, Mary Beth Quillin, Joel L. Schindlbeck, Sarah Stark and Scott Wright. All of the cast members play multiple roles.

Tickets are $12 for adults, and $6 for students and senior citizens; and are available by calling 850-0916 or by e-mail admin@pcshakespeare.com.

On the Net: www.pcshakespeare.com