Riverside Theatre , 213 N. Gilbert St., will host a Shakespeare Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. May 8 to kick off the summer Shakespeare Festival. Admission is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors/students, and $15 for youths.

Directed by Chris Okiishi, the musical program will feature characters from William Shakespeare’s most famous works played by Kristen Behrendt DeGrazia, Ron Clark, Patrick DuLaney, among others. A five-piece band will back the performers with songs from popular artists such as Elton John and Mumford and Sons, as well as music from well-known musicals such as The Lion King and West Side Story.

Proceeds from the show will benefit the Janet G. Altman Music Fund, which goes toward improving collaborations in music and sound at Riverside Theatre.

— by Riley Ubben