Editor’s note: This column is based on the remarks made by Grant Mudge at last month’s opening of the CenterStage performing arts center in downtown Richmond. Mudge is the artistic director of Richmond Shakespeare, one of the nine performing arts groups that now call CenterStage home. Richmond Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is playing through Oct. 25 at CenterStage’s Gottwald Playhouse.

With a trio of productions this summer and only three more months until its new permanent indoor home, Richmond CenterStage, is ready, the folks at Richmond Shakespeare are understandably excited.  On his desk, Artistic Director Grant Mudge even has a mini version of the CenterStage countdown clock currently facing Broad Street.