TV: First Look at Goodman Theatre's MEASURE FOR MEASURE

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Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls presents the revival of the rarely-produced Measure for Measure-William Shakespeare's "last comedy and his blackest-pitched" in which the "unquenchable influence of sex in society is a central theme" (New York Times). This production marks Falls' first return to Shakespeare's work since his critically-acclaimed 2006 revival of King Lear, starring Stacy Keach in the title role. BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights of the production below.

Measure for Measure runs March 9 - April 14, 2013 in the Goodman's 856-seat Albert Theatre. Tickets ($25 - $86; subject to change) go on sale Friday, January 25 and can be purchased at GoodmanTheatre.org, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). Falls will participate in a live Twitter dialogue about his revival on March 13 from 12 noon - 1pm; tweet questions during this hour to @GoodmanTheatre using hashtag #MforM and Falls will respond.

Virtue and vice collide in Measure for Measure-and lust and the law clash wills. The Duke of Vienna (James Newcomb, Timon of Athens at Chicago Shakespeare Theater) tells his trusted advisor Escalus (John Judd, Sweet Bird of Youth) that he's setting off on a diplomatic mission abroad-and hands over power to the austere Lord Angelo (Jay W Jay Whittaker, Shining City, Frank's Home), who enforces the city's long-dormant moral code with draconian zeal. But when the pious young nun Isabella (Alejandra Escalante, Romeo and Juliet at Oregon Shakespeare Festival) pleads to Lord Angelo for the life of her doomed brother Claudio (Kevin Fugaro, Romeo and Juliet at Oregon Shakespeare Festival), together with the dandyish Lucio (Jeffrey Carlson, Stage Kiss, Edward II at Chicago Shakespeare Theater), she sets into motion a series of events that test the limits of human will, and reveal a tangled web of desire and deception.

Also appearing in Falls' 25-member cast are Celeste Celeste Cooper (Cooper Seascape at Remy Bumppo) as Juliet; Aaron Todd Douglass Aaron Todd Douglass as Pompey; Sean For Sean Fortutunado tutunado (Sunday in the Park with George at Chicago Shakespeare Theater) as Elbow; Joe Foust Joe Foust (A Christmas Carol) as Barnadine; Cindy Gold Cindy Gold as Mistress Overdone; Kate LaConti Kate LaConti as Mariana; A.C. Smith A.C. Smith as Provost. The ensemble includes John Victor Allen John Victor Allen ( Elephant's Graveyard at Red Tape Theatre); Amanda Catania Amanda Catania (50-Minute Romeo and Juliet at The Shakespeare Project of Chicago); Anthony Di Anthony DiNicola Nicola ( American Storm at Theatre Seven); Amanda Drinkall Amanda Drinkall (The Skriker at Red Tape Theatre); Isabel Ellison Isabel Ellison (Hamlet at Writers' Theatre); Billy Billy Fenderson Fenderson (Hamlet at Writers' Theatre); LaNisa Frederick (Blackademics at MPAACT); Quinton Guyton Quinton Guyton (Musical of the Living Dead at Cowardly Scarecrow); Carolyn Hoerdemann ( Camino Real); Travis Knight Travis Knight (Camino Real); Daniel Smith Daniel Smith (Fugitive Pieces at EX-Pats Theatre Company); and Glenn Stanton (Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater).

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