Hot after the announcement of Shuga Pie Supreme's queer-inclusive Cymbeline, a series of cast departures left the future of the project in question.
"Moving forward with the production as planned seemed impossible, and we were faced with the very real possibility that we may have to cancel the show outright," says producer Anne Ciarlone.
Miraculously, at the eleventh hour, the remaining cast and creative team decided to devise a new rendition of the play.
In the true spirit of Shakespeare, IT'S CYMBELINE *shrug emoji* is a multimedia retelling of Cymbeline, featuring the OG Shakespearean text, original songs inspired by the play, and Theo, a maltese-mix in the title role. In Shakespeare's most ambitious play, toxic masculinity infects the kingdom on all sides while a love-sick Princess is propelled through Ancient Europe! IT'S CYMBELINE *shrug emoji* also tells the inspired-by-real-events story of a turbulent rehearsal process and a production that almost. didn't. happen. Adventure, forbidden love, drag, fabulous music, delicious villainy, and full fantasy for the Gawds!
IT'S CYMBELINE *shrug emoji* will retain the performance schedule of Cymbeline [prior] with showsshowsshows on Sun Aug 20 @ 5pm, Mon Aug 21 @ 6:30pm and Sat Aug 26 @ 1:30pm at The Brick (579 Metropolitan Ave) part of the annual Shakespeare in the Theater Festival.
"We're queering our queer production of Cymbeline!" said director Charles Quittner. "Shuga Pie Supreme promises an evening of SHOWSSHOWSSHOWS and Shakespearean poetry alike."
IT'S CYMBELINE *shrug emoji* features Alexander Emond, E.B. Hinnant, Chris Ignacio, Linus Ignatius, and Morgan Sullivan. "Oh honey, QUEERS? We got 'em. Five entirely wild and 100% organic queer boys doing the acting and causing a scene; creating a ruckus bound to rattle the walls of the Brick Theater." said an enthused E.B. who plays Princess Imogen.
The production, produced by Anne Ciarlone, features original music by Chris Ignacio, costumes by Heather Carey, lighting by Chris Steckel, adaptation by Kate Bussert, choreography by Brandon Powers and direction by Charles Quittner.
"Cymbeline has been told countless times, but we are reclaiming the text and story for a new audience and community," said still onboard choreographer Brandon Powers.
IF YOU GO:
IT'S CYMBELINE *shrug emoji*
August 20th, 5:00pm, August 21st, 6:30pm and August 26th, 1:30pm
At The Brick (579 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn NY)
Tickets (starting at $20) available online via OvationTix: web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/975628
Pictured: "O for a horse with wings:" Imogen (E.B. Hinnant) plots a love scheme with Pisanio. Photo by Charles Quittner.
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