Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Stage Mark St. Germain's DANCING LESSONS

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents Mark St. Germain's Dancing Lessons from January 6 - February 7, 2016. An unconventional romantic comedy about overcoming physical and emotional barriers, Dancing Lessons is directed by Cynthia White and features Orlando actors Steven Lane and Ginger Lee McDermott. Dancing Lessons will be presented in the Goldman Theater. Tickets 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).

Dancing Lessons centers around a young man with high-functioning autism (Asperger's syndrome) as he tries to navigate a relationship with a Broadway dancer, now sidelined with injuries. She learns how to deal with her disabilities while he gets a glimpse of the emotional and transformational power of dance.

"We had great success with Mark St. Germain's Best of Enemies last year, and fell in love with Dancing Lessons during the reading at Playfest," said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. "The show is not only touching, but it also challenges the audience to rethink society's preconceived notions of what it means to be 'disabled."

Dancing Lessons features Orlando Shakes seasoned actor Steven Lane as Ever Montgomery. Recent credits include A Christmas Carol, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and Into the Woods.

Also returning to Orlando Shakes, playing opposite Lane, is Ginger Lee McDermott taking on the role of Senga Quinn. Her credits include Bad Dog and Orlando Shakes staged reading of Israel Horovitz's Man in Snow during this year's PlayFest.

Making her Orlando Shakes directing debut is Cynthia White. Past directing credits include Twelfth Night and In the Next Room (Western Washington University) and Ballerina (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). She currently serves as Director of New Play Development at Orlando Shakes.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Steven Mitchell, Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen, Costume Designer Kristina Tollefson, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

Dancing Lessons is presented by BB&T Wealth.

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