Redemption, Love & Alzheimer's Disease to Take Center Stage in Orlando Shakespeare's BLACKBERRY WINTER

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF presents Steve Yockey's Blackberry Winter.

Yockey's new play tells the story of a daughter doing her best to shepherd her mother in safety and comfort through the memory loss and dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Blackberry Winter appears from January 4 - February 5, 2017 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).

Years of success, meticulous planning, and an eye for detail have in no way prepared Vivienne Avery for her mother's slide into the grip of dementia. Vivienne recounts memories of her aging mother and the difficult decisions regarding her care. Interwoven with these stories is an evolving, wondrous 21st century Alzheimer's creation myth-an origin story about a White Egret who tries to protect forest animals as they lose their memories to a blind, oblivious Mole. Blackberry Winter is a moving, occasionally humorous, and deeply human new work.

"Following our 2015 production of Dancing Lessons, and 2014 production of Best of Enemies, Orlando Shakes is proud to continue our tradition of producing bold, new theater that explores challenging topics," said Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. "Blackberry Winter humanizes Alzheimer's, exploring what the disease can be like for patients and their loved ones."

Blackberry Winter features Orlando Shakes favorite Suzanne O'Donnell as Vivienne. O'Donnell was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2015 production of Bad Dog. Other past credits include To Kill a Mockingbird, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Pluto, Othello and It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.

Also returning to Orlando Shakes is Mindy Anders as White Egret. Anders' past Orlando Shakes credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Kody Grassett joins the cast as Gray Mole. Grassett made his Orlando Shakes acting debut earlier this season in the Theater's production of West Side Story.

Making his Orlando Shakes directing debut is Michael Dove. Dove's past directing credits include the NNPN Rolling World Premiere of Steve Yockey's Pluto, Agnes Under the Big Top, Holly Down In Heaven (world premiere), Church, Mad Forest, Scorched, and Angels in America: Perestroika.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer VAndy Wood, Lighting Designer Amy Hadley, Costume Designer Denise Warner, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, and Stage Manager George Hamrah.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS:

Preview Dates: January 4 & 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Date: January 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: January 11; 18; 25; February 1 at 2 p.m.

Talk Back Performance: January 22 at 2 p.m.

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat - Friday, January 6

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.

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 under 35 years old can purchase $25 tickets for evening and weekend matinee performances during the third week 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: $25 - 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)

Founded in 1989, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF produces classic, contemporary, and children's plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakes has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed professional Equity theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout. "Hence the high quality of Orlando Shakespeare, a company that deserves to be far more widely known outside Florida." With ambitious, high-caliber productions like 2015's Monty Python's SPAMALOT and Peter and the Starcatcher, and 2014's Les Miserables and Henry V, the Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Orlando Shakes also offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community at large. For more information visit www.orlandoshakes.org.

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