History's Greatest Playwright Comes to Life in Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Production of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF presents a new stage adaptation of Shakespeare in Love February 7 - March 25, 2018 in the Margeson Theater. A romantic look into the Bard of Avon's life, Shakespeare in Love will play in repertory with William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. 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).

In Shakespeare in Love, young playwright Will Shakespeare struggles to complete the overdue script for his latest play-a half-baked mess of a comedy called Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. He finds his muse in Viola de Lesseps, who is driven to do anything-even disguise herself as a man-to fulfill her dream of performing on stage, where no women are permitted.

"Orlando Shakespeare Theater has always been known for performing Shakespeare plays. This season we bring two unique opportunities to meet the man, Shakespeare himself, onstage and see his work how it was originally performed," said Jim Helsinger, artistic director at Orlando Shakes. "In Shakespeare in Love we get a glimpse of Shakespeare's personal life-an intimate take on what may have occupied his mind, his heart, and his love life. In addition, we also get to see and hear Twelfth Night just as Shakespeare performed it in 1602 - in true Elizabethan style, with period set and costumes performed by candlelight with an all-male cast."

Returning to Orlando Shakes is John P. Keller* taking on the role of Will Shakespeare. Keller, an Orlando Shakes fan favorite, appeared as the title characters in their productions of The Adventures of Pericles, Henry V, Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker, and The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Other credits include Dracula (Alabama Shakespeare Festival),Inspecting Carol (George Street Playhouse), and Twelfth Night (Mile Square Theatre).

Making her Orlando Shakes debut is Susan Maris* as Viola de Lesseps. Maris's past theater credits include King Lear (Titan Theatre Co.), Henry V (Titan Theatre Co.), The House of Bernarda Alba (Prospect Theatre Co.), and Very Very (Gibson Show Room).

Additional casting includes Anne Hering* as Queen Elizabeth I/Nurse (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Bakersfield Mist, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), Thomas Leverton* as Kit Marlowe, James Beaman as Fennyman (Les Miserables), Philip Nolen* as Henslowe (Love's Labour's Lost, The Great Gatsby, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), Jacob Dresch* as Ned Alleyn (Love's Labour's Lost and The Great Gatsby), Chris Mixon* as Edmund Tilney/Sir Robert de Lesseps (Merry Wives of Windsor, To Kill a Mockingbird, Peter and the Starcatcher), Timothy Williams* as Richard Burbage (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Every Christmas Story Ever Told), Duncan Bahr as Lord Wessex (West Side Story), and Rhyse Silvestro as John Webster.

In the ensemble playing various characters, we have Austin Larkin, Isiah Columbus, Junior Nyong'o, Terrance Campbell, Tyler Tanner, Joshua Parrott, Alexis Harter, and Helena Whittaker.

Director Richard Garner's*** directing credits include Shakespeare in Love (ALLIANCE THEATRE), Hair (Oglethorpe University), Anne Boleyn (Synchronicity Theatre), The Light in the Piazza(Theatrical Outfit), and Dracula (Gainesville Theatre Alliance).

The artistic team also includes Fight Coach Tony Simotes, Choreographer Kim Ball, Scenic Designer Kat Conley**, Lighting Designer Bert Scott**, Costume Designer Angela Calin**, Wig Designer Brendan O'Neal, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, AEA Stage Manager Stacy R. Norwood*, and AEA Assistant Stage Manager Laura Lockner*.

Shakespeare in Love is presented by Orlando Utilities Commission. This project is funded 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 sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

*Member of Actors' Equity Association.

**Member of United Scenic Artists

***Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

Preview Dates: February 7 & 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Date: February 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: February 28 & March 21 at 2 p.m.

Talk Back Performance: March 4 at 2 p.m.

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat - Friday, February 9

Arrive at 6:15 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 15-18, 2018) 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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