Stiff competition from the nearby Medieval World threatens to drive the annual Renaissance Faire out of business. Attendance is plunging, especially at the traditional Shakespeare production. Who wants to spend three hours on a wooden bench watching a play they don t understand? To survive, the faire needs a new vibe that appeals to younger audiences. Enter a new director and her plan to stage a program called "Great Death Scenes from Shakespeare." It seems like a killer idea, until the famous Shakespearean actor playing Romeo goes missing, and he is replaced by a brash, young actor of questionable talent. As a major storm approaches, the missing actor is found murdered most foul. Someone, it seems, believes the pen is not as mighty as the sword. "Great Death Scenes from Shakespeare" is about to get real. Very real.

With its play-within-a-play structure, characters, Renaissance costumes, and improvisational nature of the performance, this is more than just a murder mystery. It's a wonderful nod to the traditions of Commedia dell arte.

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