Aquila Theatre's "The Taming of the Shrew" is one of the "Page to the Stage" productions coming to the Macomb Center this season.

Literature comes to life at the Macomb Center

Posted: Oct. 6, 2012 at 10:50 a.m.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP – Literature is brought to life in the Macomb Center for the Performing Art's "Page to Stage" series. Since launching the series in 2009 book clubs, students, seniors - audiences of all ages - have explored such topics as the 1970s Afghanistan in Khaled Hossini's "The Kite Runner," slavery in Harriet Jacob's "Incidents in the Life of Slave Girl," Nazi Germany in "The Diary of Anne Frank," the meaning of family in "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd, as well as such classics as Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and H.G. Wells "War of the Worlds."

Avid reader Marlene Visconti, who has attended many of the performances notes, "'The Page to Stage' series at the Macomb Center not only brings literature to life, but allows you to get involved with the books in a way you wouldn’t ever be able to. With pre-and post-show discussions for many of the performances, you gain a new understanding of the works; new insight and perspectives from the performers themselves. It's not only great opportunity for book clubs and students, but for anyone who enjoys literature."

This season's series includes world-class productions of four outstanding works of literature:

The award-winning British-American acting troupe Aquila Theatre begins the series with a classic 19th century French play, Edmond Rostand's hilarious and heartwarming "Cyrano de Bergerac." Cyrano, a courageous swordsman, a masterful wordsmith and an incredible romantic seems to have everything — including an enormous nose. Terrified to pursue the beautiful Roxanne, Cyrano lives vicariously through the attractive, but dull, Christian, who courts this stunning beauty with the help of Cyrano's poetry. One of the most romantic adventures in the literary canon, "Cyrano de Bergerac" comes to life on Oct. 14 at 3 p.m.

Aquila Theatre returns to the stage Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. to perform Shakespeare's most challenging comedies "The Taming of the Shrew." The beautiful Bianca desires to be married, but she cannot be courted until her shrewish sister, Katherina, is taken to be a wife...by anyone. With wisecracks, sharp wit and quick temper, neither man nor is woman willing to yield in this classic comedy of sexes.

American Place Theatre takes the stage next with their Literature to Life production of Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" - an unparalleled Vietnam testament that illuminates the capacity, and the limits, of the human heart and soul. This Literature to Life original features 60 minutes of verbatim performance, surrounded by a pre- and post-show interactive discussion on Nov. 27 and 28 at 10 a.m. (Recommended for ages 14 and up.)

The series ends with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." The tempestuous pairing of the witty, independent Elizabeth, and the arrogant but honorable suitor, Mr. Darcy, set the standard for all great couples of stage and screen. L.A. Theatre Works' exceptional company of actors brings Cristina Calvit's stunning adaptation of one of the most acclaimed and still strikingly modern works of literature to life on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 22 at 10 a.m.

Tickets for the 3 p.m. performance of "Cyrano De Bergerac" on Oct. 14 and the 7 p.m. performance of "Pride and Prejudice" on Feb. 21 are $25 gold circle, $20 house and $15 for students and seniors (55 and up). All other performances are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Purchase tickets in person at the Macomb Center box office Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Friday noon - 6 p.m. Tickets and additional information, including a complete season schedule, are available online at www.MacombCenter.com or by calling 586-286-2222.

The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, Michigan 48038.

About the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is a community enrichment program of Macomb Community College dedicated to providing a diverse range of family-oriented cultural enrichment experiences. The Macomb Center presents high-quality professional performances, offers educational outreach in the arts and, in partnership with the adjacent Albert L. Lorenzo Cultural Center, creates unique opportunities for multifaceted cultural programming.