History teacher Kirk Murphy has decided to trade in his tie and slacks for a tunic and tights. Murphy will make his debut in the annual “To Shakespeare With Love” at the Henegar Center for the Arts in Downtown Melbourne on at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Preformances include selections from “Richard III,” “Macbeth,” “Henry IV,” “Henry V, ” “Hamlet,” “Taming of the Shrew” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Murphy will portray the introduction narrator, George Duke Clarence from “Richard III,” Henry from “Henry V”, and Robin Starling and Man in the Moon from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

“I’m partial to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Murphy said. “Even though the part of Robin Starling is not the biggest, I get a great opportunity to be a buffoon and ham it up a lot.”

Murphy also  has performed in in “Amateurs” in 2005, “Christmas Story” in 2006, “Passion of Dracula” in 2008 as well as in a few musicals.

“I received an e-mail from a gentleman who had directed me in “Dracula.” I really liked his style a lot, and I have not done anything in a couple of years,” Murphy said.

Tickets are $22 and the price includes dessert and fruit. Call 321-723-8698 for ticket reservations.

By Sarah Kinsey