Bridge Group's Bloody, Reimagined RICHARD III Launches Inaugural Season Tonight

William Shakespeare's bloody epic Richard III will get a bold re-envisioning in NYC this month as The Bridge Production Group presents their inaugural full-scale production, running tonight, November 9, through November 27 at the Fourth Street Theatre (83 East 4th Street).

Utilizing video & film projection, this complex historical saga has been streamlined & distilled for contemporary audiences in the style of Quentin Tarantino & Baz Luhrmann, with inspiration from "American Psycho" and "Dexter." Stressing the fractured and bloody nature of deceit and betrayal through ensemble-driven storytelling, movement, and a kinetic visual landscape, the production will feature direction from Max Hunter.

Richard III marks the sensual and violent finale to Shakespeare's 'War of the Roses' plays, wherein a long and bloody civil war has finally come to an end in a divided Europe and a new generation of victors are left to triumph in peace under the reign of a young King Edward IV. Maligned by a physical handicap and discontent with his lack of political status, the king's younger brother Richard sets the monarchy in his sights - brothers, wives, and children all will fall in Richard's bloody quest to claim the throne of England. Note: Richard III contains elements of partial nudity and a theatric use of blood.

The cast will feature Christina Toth (Lazarus, New York Theatre Workshop, HBO's Boardwalk Empire), Maggie Hollinbeck (Once, National Tour), Robin Abramson, Alex Bodine, Jordan Sobel, Jon Cook (Resident Company Member at The Flea), Joe Hamel, Alex Gagne, Jacob Owen, Max Hunter, Igby Rigney, Mila Leonardi, Nadia Brown & Michael Calciano.

Max Hunter, Maggie Hollinbeck, Robin Abromson, and Jordan Sobel appear courtesy of Actors Equity. Richard III is an Equity approved Showcase.

The creative team includes Scenic Design by Seth Byrum, Lighting and Projection Design by Cheyenne Sykes (Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Canadian Premiere - Assistant Designer), Costume Design by Nicolle Allen (Saturday Night Live) & Movement by Eve Jacobs.

The Bridge recently collaborated with visual artist Carlton Scott Sturgill in a theatrical discourse on human sexuality, producing an original amalgamation of scenes from Romeo + Juliet and A Midsummer's Night Dream. In discarding a routine staging, the themes of love and lust were interwoven into a violent explosion of youthful sexuality; two couples sharing one bed, grappling with their desires and responsibilities. This presentation had been mounted at the Gowanus Loft and subsequently moved to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island. Filmed highlights can be found at www.bridgeproductiongroup.org.

Richard III will run from 11/9-11/27 at the Fourth Street Theatre (83 East 4th Street), tickets are $30 for reserved seating and $18 for general seating. Performances are Tues-Sat. at 8pm & Sun. at 3pm. There will be a Monday night show on 11/20 at 8pm, NO performances on 11/23 & 11/24 for Thanksgiving, and final performances Fri. 11/25 & Sat. 11/26 at 7pm and Sun. 11/27 at 3pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.bridgeproductiongroup.org.

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