The Davis Shakespeare Ensemble performs in unconventional spaces, and, in the case of Twelfth Night, scheduled to open next week in the arboretum gazebo, at what some people might consider an unconventional time of the year (i.e., an outdoor venue in winter!).

Twelfth Night will go on no matter what, Jan. 13-23, organizers said, pointing out that the gazebo is covered, and that heaters will be brought in.

The relatively new ensemble is presenting Twelfth Night in partnership with Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum.

The ensemble used the gazebo once before, last September, for the ensemble’s debut production: Romeo and Juliet. The ensemble is not affiliated with UC Davis, but eight of the nine founders have connections with the university.

Eleven actors and a three-member band perform in Twelfth Night — 14 people in all, including five alumni, seven undergraduates and one graduate student.

The ensemble’s artistic director, Rob Salas, directed Romeo and Juliet and is leading Twelfth Night as well. Gia Battista, associate artistic director, described the production as a modern take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy involving a troubled love triangle and a practical joke gone wrong.

The ensemble has pulled together a band and original music for Twelfth Night, the most musical of Shakespeare’s plays. Battista said UC Davis alumnus Richard Chowenhill is the musical director and composer, presenting a mix of rock and blues with Tennessee roots.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare, presented by the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble in partnership with Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum.

WHEN:

• Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 13-16 — 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 16 — 2 p.m.
• Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 20-23 — 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 23 — 2 p.m.

WHERE: Gazebo, west end of the arboretum. Organizers said the show will go on no matter what kind of weather the nights may bring. The gazebo is covered, and heaters will be brought in to keep the audience warm.

TICKETS: $12 adults, $8 students, $5 children 12 and under.

RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION: (760) 310-0323 or davis.shakespeare@gmail.com.