Orlando Shakes Presents CYMBELINE and ROMEO AND JULIET

 

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF (http://www.orlandoshakes.org) presents two classic and beloved masterpieces – William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Cymbeline – in rotating repertory.

Shakespeare's most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet, has never been so captivating, or so dangerous, as in this stirring new production brought to the Margeson stage in a magnificent, traditional setting. As tensions build in the streets of Verona, two teenagers from the warring Capulet and Montague factions fall in love at first sight. Married in secret, they hope for reconciliation between their families. However, when short tempers lead to deadly consequences, the young lovers find themselves alone and on the run. What starts as a bawdy teenage comedy quickly transforms into a heart-stirring romance for the ages. Directed by Thomas Ouellette, Romeo and Juliet begins previews on Wednesday, January 25, opens Friday, January 27 and runs through Saturday, March 17, 2012.

 

"I am excited by this play because you never forget your first love. We grow up and fall in love again, but the experience of falling in love for the first time is universal and unforgettable," said Thomas Ouellette, director of Romeo and Juliet. "Shakespeare captures it perfectly in this extraordinary play."

 

A magical fairy tale, Cymbeline features one of Shakespeare's most resourceful female characters, Imogen, who in defiance of her father, King Cymbeline, secretly marries the poor, but worthy, Posthumus. When Cymbeline discovers her marriage and banishes her husband, Imogen sets off into the Welsh countryside in search of him. The adventuresome journey to the couple's reunion is populated with colorful characters, a wicked stepmother, sword fights and sleeping potions. Directed by Jim Helsinger, Orlando Shakes Artistic Director, Cymbeline begins previews on Wednesday, February 8, opens Friday, February 10 and runs through Sunday, March 18, 2012.

 

"I'm delighted to bring Cymbeline to Orlando audiences for the first time," said Helsinger. "Cymbeline is a classic fairy tale, a great big adventure story with romance, tragedy, humor and suspense. Audiences will get to experience the pageantry as well as the passion of this production."

The casts of Romeo and Juliet and Cymbeline feature Orlando Shakes newcomers Stella Heath as Juliet; Geoffrey Kent as Mercutio and Iachimo; Sam Little as Prince Escalus and Caius Lucius; Vanessa Morosco as Lady Capulet and Imogen; and Michael Raver as Romeo and Pisanio. The cast of seventeen includes favorite Orlando Shakes actors Johnny Lee Davenport as Lord Capulet and Philario/Belarius, David Hardie as Tybalt and Posthumus, Wynn Harmon as Friar Laurence and King Cymbeline, Anne Hering as the Nurse and Queen, BranDon Roberts as Montague and Cloten; as well as Amanda Leakey as Lady Montague, Megan Pickrell as Rosaline, Rudy Roushdi as Benvolio, Ryan Czerwonko as Balthazar, Michael Shenefelt as Guiderius, Bradford D. Frost as Paris and Arvigarus, and Kraig Kelsey as Friar John.

 

The shows' design team includes costume designers Denise Warner (Cymbeline) and Jack A. Smith (Romeo and Juliet), fight choreographer Geoffrey Kent, lighting designer Bert Scott, scenic designer Bob Phillips, and sound designer Matthew Given.

Performances are scheduled Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00 pm, Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm, January 25 – March 18, 2012. Ticket prices range from $15-$38. Discounts are available for students, active military, and groups.

Single tickets and Season Flex Passes are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at www.orlandoshakes.org and in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park.