“Something wicked this way comes” — and something wonderful is ahead, too.
This summer, Shakespeare Royal Oak celebrates its 25th season, bringing live professional theatre and immersive educational programs to Starr Jaycee Park, with a bold new steampunk-inspired production of “Macbeth” leading the charge. Directed by visionary Detroit artist Jeffrey Michael Nahan, the show promises to thrill audiences with its dark themes, thrilling action and unexpected style.
“We’re calling it a devilishly original steampunk ‘Macbeth,'” said Ed Nahhat, founder and chair of Water Works Theatre Co., the nonprofit behind Shakespeare Royal Oak. “It’s one of Shakespeare’s most feared and loved plays, and with this creative approach, we think it’ll be an unforgettable experience.”
The production runs through Sunday, August 3, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and a 3 p.m. matinee on Sundays at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak. Tickets are $35, with seating options ranging from blankets and lawn chairs to bleachers and cushions, bringing audiences closer than ever to professional Shakespeare under the stars.
This year’s cast includes a unique pairing in the lead roles: Drew Parker and Meredith Parker, a married couple in real life, star as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Drew returns to SRO after acclaimed roles in “Hamlet,” “Twelfth Night” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” while Meredith wowed audiences last summer as Viola in “Twelfth Night” and also has performed at the Detroit Public Theatre and the Flint Repertory Theatre.
Their powerful chemistry on and off stage is set to electrify the production, which also features dynamic movement, original music and inventive costumes.
But Shakespeare Royal Oak is about more than just the mainstage.
Over the past 25 years, the company has grown from a dream into a beloved summer tradition, expanding from a single performance in 2001 to a full festival-like experience with professional theater, youth education and community engagement.
“I’ll never forget that first show,” Nahhat said. “We did ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ between two beautiful oak trees. It was August. The stars were out. We had actors dressed as fairies dancing in the woods. It was pure magic. And we knew we had to do it again.”
That spirit of enchantment continues through Shakespeare Royal Oak’s two signature education programs: KidsAct! for grades 1-8 and the SRO Teen Ensemble for high school students.
KidsAct! is a six-day summer camp where young participants learn the basics of Shakespeare, stage combat, comedic improvisation and character development.
“They learn safe sword fighting, improv, acting and put on a recital at the end of the week,” Nahhat said. “It’s incredible to watch their confidence grow.”
Meanwhile, the SRO Teen Ensemble, now in its 14th year, offers a deeper dive for older students. This year’s teen production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will run for three performances during the mainstage run. Participants collaborate on everything from costume design and character development to stage combat and swordplay, culminating in a full-scale Shakespearean production.
“The transformation we see in these students is incredible,” Nahhat said. “They come out of it not only with theater skills, but with leadership, teamwork and a deep sense of accomplishment.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program, he adds, is seeing alumni return — as audience members, artists and even staff.
“Our current technical director started as a little boy in the KidsAct! program,” he said. “Now he’s helping to run the show.”
Throughout the years, Shakespeare Royal Oak has remained committed to inclusivity, community connection and artistic excellence. That commitment extends not just to the actors on stage, but to the entire experience, welcoming families, first-time attendees and lifelong fans alike to enjoy affordable, high-quality performances.
The company, which runs on a modest staff of six to eight people year-round, relies on ticket sales, grants, fundraising events and the support of patrons to make each season possible. Every actor is paid, and the company is proud to be a place local artists can call home.
“Our goal is simple,” Nahhat said. “To give people a pleasant evening — something they’ll remember and want to return to. For a first-time attendee to say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t come before,’ and for returning fans to say, ‘I’m so glad I’m back.'”
For tickets and more information about Shakespeare Royal Oak, visit shakespeareroyaloak.com.
