Flappers and Speakeasies Highlight Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Production of LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF presents William Shakespeare's comedy, Love's Labour's Lost from February 22 - March 24, 2017 in the Margeson Theater. Set in the Roaring Twenties, Love's Labour's Lost will play in repertory with F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Tickets ($25 - $50) to both productions are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

Love's Labour's Lost follows the misadventures of the King of Navarre and his three companions as they attempt to forswear all pleasures in favor of serious study. But the Princess of France and her all-too-lovely entourage have other ideas. The men soon find that love's labor complicates and conquers all things in Shakespeare's boisterous romantic comedy about love and marriage.

"The 1920s is an ideal era to set Shakespeare's romantic comedy in, " said Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. "The movement for women to have equal rights, a prominent topic during the Roaring Twenties, is highlighted in the way the Princess of France and her ladies outwit the King of Navarre and his three companions in Love's Labour's Lost."

Returning to Orlando Shakes is Buddy Haardt, taking on the role of Ferdinand, the King of Navarre. Haardt last graced an Orlando Shakes stage in their 2012 production of Red. Other credits include Good People (Hartford TheaterWorks), The Matchmaker (Asolo Repertory Theatre), and Twelfth Night (Baltimore Center Stage).

Making her Orlando Shakes debut is Aubrey Saverino as The Princess of France. Saverino's past credits include Dido and Aeneas (Dixon Place), Brewed (NYC Fringe Festival), King Lear (The Old Globe), and Pride and Prejudice (Capital Repertory Theatre).

Also new to Orlando Shakes is Matthew Goodrich, cast as Longaville. Past credits include The Nance (The Lyceum Theatre), Picnic (American Airlines Theatre), White Lighting (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), and Tom Jones (Florida Studio Theatre).

Kathryn Miller stars as Rosaline. Miller's past Orlando Shakes credits include the 2016 productions of Beauty and the Beast, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens.

ChristIan Ryan joins the cast as Berowne. Ryan was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2013 production of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Recent credits include Picture Ourselves in Latvia (New Light Theater Project), Twelfth Night (Westport County Playhouse), and The Great Gatsby (Alabama Shakespeare Festival).

Jim Helsinger will also be joining the cast as Don Adriano de Armado. This will be Helsinger's first acting role at Orlando Shakes since their 2009 production of Wittenberg. Helsinger currently serves as Artistic Director at Orlando Shakes. He is also a member of Actor's Equity Association, National Theatre Conference, The National New Play Network, and is the Past President of the Shakespeare Theatre Association.

Additional casting includes Philip Nolen as Holofernes (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and Nicholas Nickleby), Jacob Dresch as Costard, Georgia Mallory Guy as Katherine, Alexander Mrazek as Boyet (Nicholas Nickleby and The Exit Interview), Maddie Tarbox as Jacquenetta, Maxel Garcia as Moth, Blaine Edwards as Dumaine, Mike Nilsson as Dull, Gabrielle Toledo as Maria, and Madelyn James as Ensemble.

Director Thomas Ouellette's Orlando Shakes directing credits include Race, Romeo and Juliet, and Pride and Prejudice. Other past credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Rumors (St. Michael's Playhouse), and Stop Kiss (Mad Cow Theatre).

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Fight Coach David Reed, Scenic Designer Dan Conway, Assistant Scenic Designer Tyler Herald, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, Vocal/Dialect Coach Eric Zivot, AEA Stage Manager Stacy R. Norwood, and AEA Assistant Stage Manager Laura Lockner.

Love's Labour's Lost is presented by Florida Hospital with additional support from Foley & Lardner. Additional support provided in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

Preview Dates: February 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Date: February 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: March 8 & 15 at 2 p.m.

Talk Back Performance: March 12 at 2 p.m.

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat - Friday, February 24

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy free light appetizers, followed by a brief, informative discussion about the creative process with the Director and members of the creative team. Free to all opening night ticket holders. No RSVP necessary.

TICKET INFORMATION

PRICING

Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. - $25, $40, $50

Preview Performances and Senior Matinees - $13, $20, $25

DISCOUNTS (May not be combined with any other offers)

$25 Under 35 Week: Patrons 34 years old and under can purchase $25 tickets for evening and weekend matinee performances during the third week (March 15-19, 2017) of the production. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1 or purchase online with code word: 25UNDER35

Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+

Student Rush: $15 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID

Student and Active/Retired Military: $10 off single ticket prices w/ valid ID (Only available in Price Levels A and B)

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