'Star Trek' Actor and Seasoned Stage Actress to Lead the Cast of Orlando Shakespeare Theater's ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF is thrilled to present William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra featuring Michael Dorn as Antony and Caralyn Kozlowski as Cleopatra.

Dorn, best known for starring as Lieutenant Commander Worf in the syndicated television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Kozlowski, long-running stage actor with over 40 professional theater credits, will perform in Antony and Cleopatra from March 29 - April 30, 2017 in the Goldman Theater. Tickets ($25 - $60) for Antony and Cleopatra 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).

William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra tells the tragic romance of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The victors of Rome's civil war have divided the Empire amongst themselves and Marc Antony has traveled to exotic Egypt to rule his corner of the globe. There he encounters Egypt's mysterious monarch, the irresistibly entrancing Cleopatra. Their impassioned affair ultimately pits their two countries against each other and will change the face of the ancient world forever.

After spending 11 seasons playing Worf, the apex Klingon on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and in five Star Trek feature films, Michael Dorn has continued to work steadily in the film and television industry. His credits include Ted 2, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Showtime's Dead Man's Gun, a recurring role on ABC's Castle, and the on-camera host of Discovery Channel's World of Wonder. Dorn also starred as Duke Frederick in the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles' 2012 production of As You Like It.

Starring opposite Dorn is Caralyn Kozlowski as Cleopatra. Kozlowski's extensive resume includes over 40 professional theater credits including The Blue Bird, The Three Sisters, Othello, Love's Labour's Lost, Macbeth, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Play's The Thing, Private Lives, and The Servant of Two Masters. Kozlowski also has several television credits including Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Third Watch, Numbers, and Guiding Light.

"Caralyn is the kind of actor you dream about working with," said Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. "Not only is she a powerhouse of talent, she has professionally played more characters in the Shakespeare Canon than many actors do in a lifetime."

Additional casting includes Jeorge Bennett Watson as Enobarbus/Ensemble, Sophia Blum as Charmian, Roberta Emerson as Iras/Octavia, Rodney Lizcano as Octavius Caesar, Kody Grassett as Agrippa/Ensemble, Topher Embrey as Eros/Ensemble, Blaine Edwards as Mardian/Ensemble, Shane Taylor as Lepidus/Ensemble, and E. Mani Cadet as Soothsayer/Ensemble.

Director Joseph Discher served as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey from 2002 to 2012. His past directing credits include A Moon for the Misbegotten (Playhouse on Park), A Child's Christmas in Wales (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey), Butler (Majestic Theater), As You Like It (TheatreWorks), Macbeth (Stella Adler Studio Theatre), and Remembering Booth (American Theater Group).

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Jim Hunter, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Yao Chen, Assistant Costume Designer Bailee Booser, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, AEA Stage Manager Stacy R. Norwood, and Production Assistant Alyssa Will Zegers.

Antony and Cleopatra is presented by A. Brian Phillips, P.A. with additional support by BB&T and Florida Hospital Medical Group. This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Mr. Dorn's appearance made possible through the support of A. Brian Phillips, P.A. and Ms. Suzanne Gilbert. Travel and accommodations for the artists underwritten by Ford W. Kiene.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. This project 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.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

Preview Dates: March 29 & 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Date: March 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: April 5; 12; 19; and 26 at 2 p.m.

An Evening with Michael Dorn: Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m.

Talk Back Performance: April 16 at 2 p.m.

Prologue Series

Starting 30 minutes before each performance, we'll lead you through an interactive discussion on the plot, themes, and major characters of Antony and Cleopatra. Free to all ticket holders. No RSVP necessary.

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat - Friday, March 31

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy free light appetizers from Rogue Pub, 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.

An Evening with Michael Dorn - Sunday, April 9

Renowned film, television, and stage actor, Michael Dorn will share stories from his illustrious career in an "Inside the Actor's Studio" format hosted by Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. After the discussion, audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a brief question and answer session. Tickets ($30 - $250) are available now through www.orlandoshakes.org, by calling the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

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