“The Queens,” Elizabeth I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots, are coming to Ancilla Domini Chapel at the Center at Donaldson. Metamorphis Traveling Theatre, an outreach troupe of Michigan City Acting Theatre, will present “The Queens” at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3. “The Queens” is an original drama written by Ken Brelsford and directed by Judith Joseph and Doug Moon.

“The Queens” tells the story of the political and family struggle for the throne of England between cousins, Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, otherwise known as Mary Queen of Scots. Mary Queen of Scots was the Catholic heiress to Scotland’s throne. While not mentioned in Henry VIII’s succession will, the strikingly beautiful princess was related to the Tudor line and had some claim to the throne. Although most English Catholics recognized Elizabeth’s rule, the Catholic world officially denied the legality of Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, since they did not recognize the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Under the Catholic interpretation, this made Elizabeth illegitimate and unfit to rule.

“The Queens” is a drama in nine scenes. Set against the splendid neo-Gothic architecture of Ancilla Domini Chapel, the actors in elaborate Renaissance costumes, Jeanoma Babcock as Elizabeth I and Judith Joseph as Mary Queen of Scots, will evoke the treacherous plots that circled the British monarchy in the late 1500’s. The story, revealed through dialogue, music and dance, culminates on the eve of the Scottish Queen’s beheading by order of Elizabeth I.

The matinee performance will be followed by a reception with the Metamorphis Traveling Theatre Players and refreshments, queen’s cake. A glimpse of what’s in store at the performance of “The Queens” is available on YouTube, MoonTree Studios channel, “The Queens.”

Tickets are now available for the performance; $12 per person or $10 for people 55 or better. For tickets, call MoonTree Studios at (574) 935-1712 or visit MoonTree Studios.org; there’s a link on the home page to purchase tickets.

MoonTree Studios, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, is bringing “The Queens” to Ancilla Domini Chapel as a fundraiser for scholarships for women in transition or in need. MoonTree Studios is a place where skilled facilitators in a variety of art disciplines impart creative techniques and experiences to interested participants, encouraging mindful exploration of the interconnectedness of art, nature, and the spirit within. At MoonTree Studios, we are focused on beauty, creativity, ecology, and spirituality, believing that access to beauty can lead to self-confidence and positive change.