From their college years: Bart Williams and Janice L. Blixt (center).

Encore LIVE! - Much ado at the Michigan Shakespeare Festival

There's much happening these days in the town of Jackson, as The Official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan readies itself for its about-to-open 18th season. With two plays by the Bard and one by George Bernard Shaw - and a handful of other events as well - the Michigan Shakespeare Festival begins previews July 12 and barely stops to rest until the closing performance Aug. 12. Although lost funding nearly torpedoed the season a few weeks back, the call for assistance was quickly answered - and tickets are selling like hotcakes. So much so, that the season was extended long before opening night. The duo responsible for invigorating the company are artistic director Janice L. Blixt and managing director Bart Williams, who talked recently with host Donald V. Calamia about the upcoming 2012 summer season, their popular school tour, and what else they have planned for in the coming months and years.

Encore LIVE! - it's like radio, but over the internet! A production of EncoreMichigan.com. Produced for EncoreMichigan.com by Barton Bund and Tony Caselli. Theme music by the World Famous Love Machine.

CLICK HERE for other listening and downloading options.