Mount Mercy will celebrate Shakespeare Festival April 22-26. The week-long fest is a unique collaboration between members of the music, English, and drama departments aimed to honor Shakespeare’s 450th birthday.
Tony Nickle, adjunct faculty in the music department, started the project as a part of the Voice Recital Series, a concert series that features professional opera singers.
“It began by chatting with Joy Ochs in English and she thought that this was a great idea,” said Nickle. “She quickly brought her colleagues into the mix—Jim Grove and Mary Vermillion—and before you knew it this started becoming a multi-departmental, multi-media festival with multiple events, not only this recital.”
The week will begin with an unstaged reading by the Drama Club of “Edmund Ironsides” and will conclude with Shakespeare on the Hill, a collection of arias from operas and musicals inspired by Shakespeare.
Shakespeare on the Hill will feature guest artists Diana Stoic, soprano; John Humphrey, tenor; and Philip Torre, baritone; along with the Mount Mercy University Madrigal Singers.
Each musical segment will be introduced by scenes from the corresponding play, acted out by members of Drama Club. Taylor Foster, senior communications major and president of Drama Club, will direct the scenes.
The public is welcome to attend any and all events.
Shakespeare Festival Events
April 22
7 p.m.
McAuley Theater
Reading – “Edmund Ironsides”
Drama Club reading of “Edmund Ironsides,” thought to be one of Shakespeare's first plays.
April 23
Noon
Stello Performance Hall, Warde Hall
Shakespeare and More: A Vocal Interlude
Featuring the Mount Mercy University Choir and student soloist performances
April 23
7:30 p.m.
Busse Library Viewing Room
Film – “Othello”
April 24
7:30 p.m.
Busse Library Viewing Room
Film – “O”
April 26
7:30 p.m.
University Center Commons
Shakespeare on the Hill
An evening of arias from the operas and musicals inspired by Shakespeare, each introduced by scenes from the original plays. Featuring guest artists Diana Stoic, soprano; John Humphrey, tenor; Philip Torre, baritone; with Tony Nickle, piano; the Mount Mercy University Drama Club; and the Mount Mercy University Madrigal Singers.