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Shakespeare Under the Stars returns to CSUS
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Murri Brown as Luciana, Andreas Mechsner as Antipholus of Syracuse, Kelly Ruelas as Adriana, Kenny Roderick as Antipholus of Ephesus. - photo by Photo courtesy of California State University, Stanislaus

• PLACE: California State University, Stanislaus
• WHERE: One University Circle, Turlock
• TO GET THERE: Take the Monte Vista exit on Highway 99 and head east to the campus
• MORE INFO: Go to www.csustan.edu/

Culture is alive and booming at California State University Stanislaus this spring with a series of events that community members can enjoy.

Shakespeare Under the Stars is once again returning to Turlock as the California State University, Stanislaus Theatre Department will stage “Macbeth” April 30 through May 5.

The College of the Arts Department of Theatre will stage its production in the open-air amphitheater where guests can bring low back chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner.

The play follows the rise and tragic downfall of the warrior Macbeth.  The plot is filled with twists, turn, betrayal, and death.  The play is under the direction of Theatre Professor Jere O’Donnell, who is giving his own twist to the Shakespearean classic.

“I don’t do anything traditional to the script,” said O’Donnell.  “This year the audience should be expecting lots of visual magic and illusion that will leave audiences in awe.  Since the production will be set outdoors the effects have to be bigger so the audience can appreciate it.  We are also bringing a professional actor named Dan Gately to star as Macbeth.”

Gately is no stranger to CSU Stanislaus. He has been a guest director of Shakespeare Under the Stars’ productions of “Comedy of Errors” in 2012 and “Romeo and Juliet” in 2011.

Gately chose a 1960s vibe for the 2012 production, including a variety show.

“I love working here,” Gately said in 2012. “The people are very supportive and collaborate well. It’s a very rewarding artistic experience.”

Shakespeare Under the Stars attracts visitors not only from the 209 area but around the world as well.

“It’s an informal relaxing evening where people can have a good time,” said O’Donnell.  “This university is the center of culture and this production brings the community together.”

The show is free. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the show will start at dusk April 30, May 1,2,3,4, and 5.

Aside from theatre production, the university also offers the public a skew of art exhibitions throughout the spring.  The University Fine Art Collections contains a variety of art objects, most of them donated to the university.

The collection ranges from sculptural objects created in Egypt, China, Japan, Persia, Africa, and the Pre-Columbian Middle America.  The gallery is free and open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

California State University, Stanislaus is located in Turlock on Monte Vista Avenue between Geer and Crowell roads.



— NANCY ANGEL / 
209 staff reporter