It will be ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for audiences during Shakespeare Stroll at Ford House

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Outdoor productions of Shakespeare are a popular summer experience, and now that experience is getting a special twist at an east side location.

Grosse Pointe Theatre and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores are teaming up to offer a Shakespeare Stroll on the Ford House grounds, with the grounds opening at 6 p.m. Aug. 8. GPT actors will perform scenes from Shakespearian plays while audiences enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages, with audience members moving from each scene site.

“It’s little vignettes,” GPT Executive Director Linda Zublick said. “It’s going to give people a chance to see a little bit of Shakespeare while they stroll the grounds. We thought it was a nice way to collaborate and offer something new for the community.”

Zublick said audiences will see snippets from “The Taming of the Shrew,” “The Tempest,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” “Twelfth Night” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Those who purchase tickets for an exclusive afterglow will also get to see a scene from “Julius Caesar.” Regular tickets cost $50 per person and include one drink ticket. Tickets with the afterglow are $75 per person and include two drink tickets as well as the “Julius Caesar” scene, which will be performed in the Lake Shore Room and accompanied by desserts.

“We are excited to partner with Grosse Pointe Theatre to offer this one-of-a-kind event,” Ford House Director of Communications & Engagement Tommy Karr said in a press release. “The Shakespeare Stroll will allow guests to experience the beauty of the estate in a new and engaging way while enjoying the timeless works of Shakespeare.”

Audiences need to arrive before 6:30 p.m., when performances start, in order to see all the vignettes. Zublick said each scene will last about seven to eight minutes, with roughly 20 minutes between scenes to allow everyone time to get to the next location. To provide for an intimate performance, ticketholders will be divided into six groups, with each group starting at a different scene. Zublick said each scene will be performed six times so that all ticketholders can see each one as they move from location to location. She said the event is expected to last roughly two hours.

“It’s designed to be a nice way to spend the evening,” Zublick said.

This event is slated to be held rain or shine, unless severe weather strikes.

For GPT actors and directors, who have been rehearsing this summer, Zublick said this is an opportunity to delve into Shakespearian classics, something they don’t get to do with regular GPT productions, which lean toward musicals and more contemporary theatrical productions.

Zublick noted how the natural beauty of the Ford House grounds — with their gardens, lakefront views and mature trees — make for a lovely setting for this event.

“We’re just excited to work with the Ford House on this,” Zublick said. “I think it’ll be a great evening.”

Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Road. For tickets or more information, visit fordhouse.org or call (313) 884-4222.