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North Branch student actors were not to be deterred this fall, even though their performance space in the auditorium is torn apart as part of a huge construction and remodel project at the high school.  The show must go on-- so the theatre group decided to make this a dinner theatre experience and run the fall show “I Hate Shakespeare” in the lunchroom-commons area in the high school.  

There will be a catered dinner at 6 p.m.  The show starts at 7 p.m.  Run time is 60 to 70 minutes.

Director Laura Michels said the stage sets/scenery are going to be minimal because there’s nowhere to store props and big pieces for now.  There will be an elevated portable stage in use at the dinner theatre event, but diners and actors will be enjoying an intimate setting.  She added that everyone is looking forward to the debut of this dinner theatre format.

Tickets are $15 adult and $12 for students. The Community Education office in the education center and County Market customer service counter have them for sale.  

Performances are October 26, 27 and 28.

“I Hate Shakespeare” is a very unconventional, contemporary take on The Bard’s masterpieces.  The cast members play various roles ranging from a Jerry Springer-like character and a cheezy gameshow MC, to a legit Macbeth and  a slew of Shakespeare’s classic personalities.


There is a vignette where “Shakespeare in a Can” gives any dullard who takes a drink a fantastic vocabulary.  Another bit involves “Bill” getting advice from a producer who’s all about the bottom line.

Actors Jackson Neu and Alixandra Petrak, pictured, keep the scenes on track.

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