Taproot Theatre to Present Musical Adaptation of Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT, Begin. 7/12

Shakespeare is available in Seattle outdoors this summer, but for those wary of a sunburn or being caught outside in rain, there's an indoor opportunity as Taproot Theatre presents Illyria. This musical adaptation of Twelfth Night has all the hilarious hijinks and unrequited love of Shakespeare's famous comedy. A mistaken identity sets off a chain of events that has everything topsy-turvy. As these classic characters sing of romance and shenanigans, you'll be transported to a mythical land of love. Associate Artistic Director Karen Lund directs Illyria, which runs through August 10, with previews on July 10 and 11. There is a Pay What You Can performance on July 17.

This adaptation translates Shakespeare's Twelfth Night into contemporary language, turning the soliloquies into songs. By doing this, the musical maintains Shakespeare's poetic sense while making it approachable for those who are intimidated by Shakespeare and presenting a new perspective for those who are already fans.

Prospect Theater Company first presented Illyria in 2002. Co-adapters Peter Mills and Cara Reichel speak to what inspired them to adapt Twelfth Night saying, "we felt we had never encountered an existing adaptation which effectively brought to life both the comedy and romance within the play... Above all, we wanted the show to be accessible to anyone coming to see it-to offer an open door into the story and what we believe were Shakespeare's original, underlying intentions for a contemporary audience's experience of his work."

The New York Times praised Mills and Reichel adaptation, "They have taken Shakespeare's comic masterpiece, kept its Elizabethan spirit, voice and wit, yet created a new, accessible work that brashly and, at times, poignantly speaks to contemporary musical theater."

In Taproot Theatre's production of Illyria, Associate Artistic Director Karen Lund (Director) and Edd Key (Music Director) direct Jenny Cross, Don Darryl Rivera, William Hamer, Helen Harvester, David Anthony Lewis, Mark Tyler Miller, Simon Pringle, Randy Scholz, Daniel Stoltenberg and April Wolfe. The production team includes scenic designer Rick Lorig, sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Andrew Duff. Kristi Matthews serves as stage manager, Rebecca Katz Harwood as choreographer and Sonja Lowe as dramaturg.

Tickets are available online at www.taproottheatre.org/buy-tickets/ and through Taproot Theatre's box office by calling 206.781.9707 or visiting the box office located at the front of the theatre. Tickets range from $20-40, depending on the performance. Taproot offers a $5 senior/student discount off regular priced tickets (excludes previews or specially priced performances). Tickets for the midweek senior matinee are $20. Discounts are available for parties of 8 or more through Group Sales; call 206.781.9708. Tickets for the pay-what-you-can performance are available day of show at the box office window; contact the box office for details.

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