Check out what the critics are saying about the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble's Henry V in the arboretum:

• "Casey Worthington is vivid in the title role, and the gazebo affords an opportunity to feel Henry’s intensity up close. … This is not a 'big' Henry V, with armored soldiers clanging swords in vast scenes, but a gutsy little production that nonetheless delivers the goods, in a compact package." — Sacramento News & Review
 
• "(Henry V) works because of an amazingly talented cast, each of whom play many parts. ... Davis Shakespeare Ensemble has a real winner with this production." — The Davis Enterprise

Now, if you're thinking of going, you've got only a few more opprtunities: 8 p.m. today through Saturday (June 28-30) and 6:30 p.m. Sunday (July 1).

The ensemble sheds new light on this classic by transforming what is normally a war epic into an intimately suspenseful experience — with a company of only five actors.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Henry V, presented by the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble in partnership with the UC Davis Arboretum

WHEN:

• Thursday-Saturday, June 28-30 — 8 p.m.
• Sunday, July 1 — 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Arboretum gazebo

TICKETS are available online. To reserve by phone, call (530) 802-0998. The June 14 is a preview performance, with all tickets discounted $5.

MORE INFORMATION is available by e-mail: boxoffice@shakespearedavis.com.

Head start on tix for Costello, Sedaris, Pilobulus

Staff, faculty and students have an early opportunity, through Saturday (June 30), at buying tickets for three “just added” shows in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts’ 2012-13 season.

Besides the head start, staff and faculty receive their usual 10 percent discount on single-event tickets, and students receive a 50 percent discount.

Starting Sunday (July 1), the tickets go on sale to the general public.

The “just added” shows, all in Jackson Hall:

• Elvis Costello — The Rock 'n’ Roll hall of famer, in a solo performance. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28.

• David Sedaris — The humorist sold out Jackson Hall in 2011, and now he is coming back. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16.

• Pilobolus Dance Theatre — A zany, cut-up troupe, known for a unique style of entanglement and cotortions. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.

Ticket purchases during the head start period must be made by telephone or in person, and you will be asked for UC Davis identification or e-mail address. The box office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone orders: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787.

Shankar cancels October date at Mondavi Center

Ravi Shankar has canceled his scheduled Oct. 23 concert at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

In making the announcement June 27, the center relayed a statement from Shankar’s management company, Opus 3 Artists. The statement read, in part, “It is with deep regrets that, due to health issues, Panditji Ravi Shankar must cancel his October 2012 tour."
 
The Mondavi Center announced that it will issue refunds to all ticket holders no later than Friday, July 13.
 
More about the 2012-13 new season.

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