‘Romeo and Juliet’ presented

ISHPEMING — Shakespeare’s timeless and ever relevant “Romeo and Juliet” will be presented by the Westwood Shakespeare Company Thursday, Friday and Dec. 12 at the Patriot Performing Arts Theatre.

Shakespeare’s tale of star crossed teenage lovers has a new voice with every new generation of performers, and this “no time” production by the WSC gives it a unique, romantic and swashbuckling spin.

Said Program Director Maria Hoffman in a press release: “It is my first year directing the WHS Shakespeare Company, and I am thrilled to be a part of such a well-established program. The students, especially our student directors, have done a phenomenal job with making the show come to life, and BG Bradley, our acting coach, has been a wonderful help in teaching these young actors and actresses how to develop both their characters and their skills. With everything put together, our performance of Romeo and Juliet is sure to tug at the heartstrings.”

Hoffman added, that fight choreographers, Patrick and Taggart Bradley, former members of the grades 9-12 high school company, together with the young actors, have done a great job creating the famous sword fighting scenes, that give this romantic play its infusion of action.

Artistic Director B.G. Bradley said in the release: “Maria Hoffman is bringing a ton of new energy to this program, and the kids are responding with some astonishingly great work on stage and in the technical booth. The ‘no time’ setting of the play gives the work a contemporary feel, that still maintains its classical roots and timeless Elizabethan language.”  

All shows are at 7 p.m.. Advance tickets are on sale for $5 in the Westwood High School office, and tickets will be sold at the door for $8/student and $10/adult. Groups of five or more can purchase tickets at the door for $5 per person.Season tickets are also available.

Trim the Tree fundraising reception

MARQUETTE — The 36th annual Trim The Tree fundraising reception on behalf of Area 36 Special Olympics takes place from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the Holiday Inn, Marquette.

The minimum suggested donation is $10. These tax-deductible contributions help Special Olympic athletes participate in local and state events.

Those unable to attend can contribute by mailing a contribution to Area 36 Special Olympics, N5404 S. Ferguson Road, Skandia MI 49885. Make checks payable to Area 36 Special Olympics.

‘A Christmas Tapestry’ presented

MARQUETTE — “A Christmas Tapestry 2018: Music of the Season” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic, Marquette.

This 25th annual concert will include performances by The Marquette County Chamber Chorale, The Marquette Male Chorus, under the direction of Wayne Hanmer, and accompanists Dawn Betts. Performers also include Tintinniere: Richard Beyers, handbells, Anna Martin, piano.

After being an annual Christmas tradition for 25 years this year’s Christmas Tapestry will be the last. Started in 1994 by Louise Basal, Richard Beyers, Wayne Hanmer and Ruth Matthews as a gift to the Marquette community, the Tapestry grew from the original four performers to include the Marquette County Chamber Chorale and the Marquette Male Chorus. Over the course of 25 years the Tapestry has seen world premieres of seven commissioned works: “Velvet Shoes,” “O Magnum Mysterium” and Hodie Christus Natus Est” by Dale Jergenson, “The Holly and the Ivy” by John Behnke, “A Mall and the Visitors” by Rob Yuill and “The World Colored by Snow” by local composer Brandon Nelson. “Hodie Christus Natus Est was chosen as the 2005 ACDA California composition of the year. In 2006 a second performance night was added due to popular demand. Full houses have continued ever since.

This year’s concert will include “Appalachian Carols” by Gwyneth Walker and “A Musicological Journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas.” The concert will also feature favorite sing along Christmas carols. The concert will end with “Silent Night”

All are welcome to attend. Freewill donations will be accepted. For more information call 249-9867.

MARSP to meet at Landmark Inn

MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel will meet at the Landmark Inn at noon Dec. 11.

Voices in Motion from Westwood High School will present holiday music. Members are reminded to bring non perishable food items for a local food pantry. Call 486-8096 or 226-3388 for luncheon reservations by Friday. All retired school personnel and guests are invited to attend.