Drilling Company Stages Festive TWELFTH NIGHT in Bryant Park

All is not what it seems in this cross-dressing comedy. Lost travelers Viola and brother Sebastian chaotically search for each other after ending up ashore with hilarious results.

In this "nowhere now" production of Twelfth Night, twins Sebastian and Viola stumble upon the flamboyant, technicolor world of Illyria, visually inspired by the surreal wonderlands of The Wizard of Oz, Yellow Submarine and the works of Doctor Seuss -- an exuberant, live-action cartoon.

With a vibrant color palate and a cast of larger-than-life characters, Drilling Company Shakespeare brings Twelfth Night to the stage in all of its anarchic, festive glory. Directed by Jane Bradley, with music by Andrew Gombas (who also plays Feste the Clown in this production). The free production runs Friday, July 28 at 7pm, Saturday, July 29 at 7pm and Sunday, July 30 at 3pm.

Playing the role of Orsino is seasoned actor, puppeteer, long-time Drilling Company memberEmmanuel Elpenord, last seen as the Duke Vincentio in Bryant Park Presents Shakespeare's production of Measure for Measure. The Countess Olivia is played by Kathleen Simmonds, a lifetime member of The Actors Studio with a resume that includes a recurring role on the Australian hit primetime TV show The Strip, as well as a host of New York City theater credits. Viola is played by Natalie Smith, a singer, songwriter and actress who composed and performed the music for last summer's Bryant Park Presents Shakespeare production of As You Like It. Natalie appeared in Broadway's One Man, Two Guvnors, and has performed her original songs at New York City venues like Rockwood Music Hall and The Bitter End.

Also coming to Bryant Park Presents Shakespeare is The Tempest, running Fridays and Saturdays from August 25 through September 9 at 7pm on the Upper Terrace in Bryant Park. Love and revenge on Prospero's magical island in the Bard's last play. Songs from Natalie Smith and Andrew Gombas lead the comical journey through dazzling spells and devious plots in this production by Drilling Company Shakespeare.

Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), a private not-for-profit company, was founded in 1980 to renovate, finance and operate Bryant Park in New York City. BPC is funded by income from events, concessions and corporate sponsors, as well as an assessment on neighboring properties, and does not accept government or philanthropic monies. In addition to providing security and sanitation services and tending the park's lush lawn and seasonal garden displays, BPC provides public amenities and activities, including movable chairs and tables, cafe umbrellas, restaurants, food kiosks, world-class restrooms, and a wide range of free events throughout the year. The Midtown Manhattan park is visited by more than six million people each year and is one of the busiest public spaces in the world. BPC's website, bryantpark.org, is available for more detailed information and a schedule of upcoming events.

Drilling Company Theatrical Productions has produced Shakespeare plays and new plays for over two decades. Drilling Company Shakespeare is a highly anticipated annual summer institution that includes Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, now entering its 23rd season on the Lower East Side, and for the last four years, partnering with Bryant Park, where over 35,000 people have attended its productions. The company has been featured in media publications including The New York Times, CBS, MSNBC, The London Times, Huffington Post, and many others, and is the second largest producer for free Shakespeare in New York City. Originally dedicated to the development and production of new works by emerging American Playwrights, the Company has commissioned and produced over a dozen world premieres, notably the original production of C. Denby Swanson's Off Broadway hit The Norwegians, and in 2018 is producing Brian Dykstra's Education at 59E59 Theaters.

TNT's Will is the 2017 season sponsor of Bryant Park Presents Shakespeare. The new television series portrays a contemporary version of Shakespeare's life, played to a modern soundtrack that exposes all his recklessness, lustful temptations and brilliance. Check out the television premiere of the series July 10 on TNT.

Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Take the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park; or, take the 7 train to 5th Avenue.

Viola – Natalie Smith
Orsino – Emmanuel Elpenord
Olivia – Kathleen Simmonds
Feste – Andrew Gombas*
Malvolio – Lukas Raphael
Sir Toby Belch – Jack Sochet*
Sir Andrew Aguecheek – Jarrod Bates
Maria – Hayley Louise Simmonds
Fabian – Rachel Collins
Sebastian – Brandon G. Reilly*
Antonio – Arif Silverman

*member of Actors' Equity Association

For more information, visit www.bryantpark.org.