The PNC Players of Purdue University North Central will present a production of William Shakespeare's classic "Julius Caesar" at the Mainstreet Theatre in Michigan City. 
The public is invited to the performances at the Mainstreet Theatre, 807 Franklin St., on opening night Saturday April 17, at 8 p.m.; Sunday April 18, at 2 p.m.; Friday April 23 at 8 p.m. and Saturday April 24 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for PNC students presenting a valid student ID.
The production is directed by Dr. Paul Hecht, PNC assistant professor of English. On Sunday, April 18, Hecht will present a pre-show talk in the Mainstreet Theatre upper lobby at 1 p.m. to give ticket holders an overview of the play, and to discuss Shakespeare and his writing.
At the start of "Julius Caesar," the title character has become so beloved by the people of Rome that some believe he is in danger of overturning the democratic government, and that the only way to stop him is through assassination. Shakespeare's play brilliantly brings this momentous period of Roman history to life, with intense, personal portrayals of the key players in the political conspiracy. Brutus is the idealistic leader of the rebellion, convinced he is doing what's best for the country and the Roman people; Cassius is practical and ruthless in organizing the conspiracy; Antony, the speaker of the famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech, is a master manipulator of public opinion, and a close ally of Caesar. All think they are doing what's best for Rome, but before the play is over the very fabric of civil society will be stretched to the breaking point, and violence and chaos-the "dogs of war"-will be let terrifyingly loose.
The PNC Players are Aram Arden, LaPorte; Karen Arden, LaPorte; Mark Benoit, Hobart; Jason Curtis, LaPorte; Brittany Dikos, Knox; Corinne Eicke, Porter; Jennifer Eubanks, Chesterton; Jordan Hart, Portage; Jonathon Meyers, Michigan City; Abagael Schmidt, Long Beach; Holly Trott, LaPorte and Kylie Werno, Valparaiso. The crew members are Alyssa Allyn, Culver; Denise Curtis, LaPorte.
The performance will feature music that was composed, performed and recorded specifically for this play by professional musician Rob Clearfield. Richard Gilbert and David Gregory of R&D Choreography in Chicago, are working with the PNC Players for the third consecutive year to coach and choreograph the fight scenes.
Tickets may be purchased from the Mainstreet Theatre of Michigan City. More information is available at www.pnc.edu/activities/theatre/. To reserve tickets contact the theatre at 219-874-4269. Tickets not sold in advance will be available at the door.
Photo: The PNC Players at rehearsal for Julius Casear