HUNTINGTON -- If your life doesn't include enough drama on its own, let the Huntington Symphony Orchestra add a layer.

Saturday, the orchestra, in conjunction with the Marshall University Theatre Department, will present "Will and Romance" in an 8 p.m. concert at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. A pre-concert reception will take place at Club Luna in the Galleria on 4th Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. Reservations for the reception are required.

"The theme behind this concert is the marriage of music and Shakespearean drama. ... This program makes perfect sense because music was often used to set the mood in Shakespeare's plays," said Laura Evans, the orchestra's executive director.

Instead of a straightforward concert, director Kimo Furumoto opted to add a twist to the show by pairing up with Jack Cirullo and the Marshall University Theatre Department. In addition to the orchestral performance, audience members will be treated to monologues and scenes that match up with selections from "Hamlet," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Romeo and Juliet." Performers will be in full costume designed by the theater department's Joan St. Germain. Evans herself will get into the act as well, singing a selection from "Twelfth Night."

"This concert will be a great Valentine's date because many of the scenes are about love, from ridiculous to romantic," Evans explained. "We are looking forward to the partnership with the MU Theatre Department to present an evening of music and drama inspired by the Bard himself."

The orchestra will sit on risers, which serves to enhance the overall concert experience for both performers and audience members; and, will once again utilize an acoustical shell, donated by the Cabell County Board of Education, which Evans said offers a marked improvement in the acoustics. The risers were financed by a matching grant from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

Saturday's concert admission ranges from $16 to $31. Tickets to the reception are $15.

Also, mark your calendars now. The Picnic with the POPS dates are set for June 14; July 4; and Aug. 16.

For more information, visit the HSO's newly redesigned Web site at www.huntingtonsymphony.org or call (304) 525-0670.

Mark Webb/The Herald-Dsipatch

The Huntington Symphony Orchestra will present “Will and Romance” at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

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