By John Lyle Belden

Early Music in Motion presents “Shakespeare’s Ear” by William Ayot, featuring an ensemble playing Renaissance period instruments and The Fourth Wall’s C. Neil Parsons as “Will,” on the main stage at Theatre on the Square.

Our young Bard tells of his life as we are presented with some of the music that inspired and entertained him. He explains how someone so low-born as he could gain such sophistication that he could write plays about history and the lives of kings. He relates his loves, losses and triumphs, and joins the musicians for an occasional dance.

Parsons is engaging as young Shakespeare, with storytelling style that flows as easily as his virtuoso music on other stages. And the show gives us an excellent insight into the man and his era.

The musicians are excellent as well, providing both atmosphere and a visual lesson of what the “orchestra” was like in years past.