In the fall of 1977, LouAnn and Mike O'Donnell met at The University of Texas at Arlington. One of their first dates was taking in a Shakespeare Dallas performance.
Both would go on to graduate from UT Arlington, marry and enjoy successful careers. All these years later, things have come full circle.
Reminiscing one evening about that first date, the UTA alums, who reside in Arlington, thought about how the Levitt Pavillion would be a perfect venue for a Shakespeare play to be performed.
So they made it happen.
With help from Raphael Parry, the former executive director and artistic director of Shakespeare Dallas, Shakespeare LIVE was born.
"There's nothing quite so special as sitting out under the stars and watching Shakespeare performed on stage," said LouAnn ('78 BA, French). "Shakespeare was meant to be performed, and watching his plays really gives them a whole new meaning. We're so proud we can deliver first-class productions to our audience."
Now in its second season, Shakespeare LIVE is a volunteer-driven grassroots initiative that brings the North Texas community together for entertainment and educational opportunities through free live performances of Shakespeare.
This Halloween weekend, Oct. 29–31, Shakespeare LIVE will present "Macbeth" at 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion.
"It's a joy to see everything come together, from the initial table reading of the play to the stage being set at the Levitt," said Mike ('78 BA, Communication). "One of the joys LouAnn and I have is when we go to the majority of the rehearsals and see it all come together—it's a real treat for us."
Last year, Shakespeare LIVE presented "As You Like It" as its inaugural performance to an audience of nearly 1,600 over three performances. Bringing the community together is something the couple is really proud of.
The O'Donnells credit their success to the support of their partners, their cast and crew and the community for choosing to embrace them.
"We get asked all the time if we are ever going to get on stage, and the answer is no," LouAnn said. "We're on the ground watching the crowds react to the performance and hearing how much they've enjoyed what our team has put together. That's where we find the most joy."
Adding to the entertainment, Shakespeare LIVE will host its first Shakespeare RenFest on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 12–6 p.m. in downtown Arlington.
The O'Donnells said adding the festival seemed like a natural extension to the Shakespeare enthusiasm they've been building in Arlington.
"We're happy we can continue to grow Shakespeare LIVE and we're happy to have been well received by our community," LouAnn added. "We're looking forward to this performance, and once Nov. 1 strikes, we'll start planning for 2027."
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 190 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
