CSC Offers "As You Like It" and "Henry V" in the Ruins

Maryland's premier outdoor Shakespeare experience, the award-winning Chesapeake Shakespeare Company-in-the-Ruins, returns for its most exciting summer season.  This year, CSC closes the prestigious Shakespeare in Washington Festival with two very different Shakespeare productions performed among the picturesque ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, one of Howard County, Maryland's open-air jewels.

Artistic Director Ian Gallanar directs As You Like It as a celebration of Shakespeare's great romantic comedy.  "The wonderful, assorted characters in Shakespeare's plays have a great adventure through the Forest of Arden.  I hope that our audience will be there with them for every funny and exciting moment," comments Gallanar.

Guest director James Ricks, who recently appeared in the Shakespeare Theatre's Richard III, takes the helm on the robust Henry V--a play about one of England's most beloved heroes that features the famous and beloved "St. Crispin's Day" speech.

The CSC offers theatre goers a rare opprtunity to see true repertory - the same company of actors playing the roles in two shows which run concurrently.  And it doesn't stop there.  Most of the actors also take on offstage duties as well, reanging from "electrics" to "dresser" to "first aid".  This is a great example of company.  The casts of Henry V and As You Like It (AYLI) are as follows:

 

• Bob Alleman: Henry V – Bedford, MacMorris, French Soldier; AYLI – Silvius
• Joel Ballard: Henry V – Gov. of Harfleur and others, Cambridge; AYLI – Charles 2 
• Steve Beall: Henry V – Fluellen; AYLI – Charles
• Colby Codding: Henry V – Nym, Salisbury, Dauphine; AYLI – Corin
• Kevin Costa: Henry V – Bates, Bardolph, Cantebury; AYLI – Touchstone
• Vince Eisenson: Henry V – Gower, Scroop; AYLI – Amiens
• Rebecca Ellis: AYLI – Celia
• Ashly Fishell: Henry V – Boy; AYLI – Pheobe
• Dave Gamble: Henry V – Westmoreland and Gloucester (same); AYLI – Louis (Lord)
• Jamie Hanna: Henry V – Grey, French Messengers; AYLI – William
• Patrick Kilpatrick: Henry V – Henry; AYLI – Phillip/Hymen
• Jenny Leopold: Henry V – Queen Isabel; AYLI - Duchess
• Lesley Malin: Henry V – Alice
• Frank Mancino: Henry V – French King, Williams; AYLI – Duke Senior
• Frank Moorman: Henry V – Exeter; AYLI – Adam
• Christina Schlegel: Henry V – Hostess; AYLI – Rosalind
• Laura Sicari: Henry V – Katherine
• Michael Sullivan: Henry V – Pistol; AYLI – Oliver
• Nathan Thomas: Henry V – Constable, Jamey; AYLI – Jacques
• Lindsey Wiebe: Henry V – Chorus, Ely, Old Erpingham, Burgundy; AYLI – Audrey
• Wayne Willinger: Henry V – Montjoy, Court, Orleans; AYLI – Orlando

The technical staff consists of:

• Jeannie Anderson - Architect                    
• Liz Armour - Stage Manager – AYLI
• Heidi Busch - Producer                    
• Teresa Castracane - Text Coach             
• Sarah Curnoles - Stage Manager – Henry V                      
• Michelle Datz - Set Designer                      
• Dave Eske - Technical Producer      
• Ian Gallanar - Director – AYLI                                                         
• Lorraine Imwold - House Manager                      
• Jill Kyle-Keith - Costume Design – Henry V           
• Kristina Lambdin - Costume Design – AYLI   
• Jenny Leopold - Pre-show Coordinator     
• Lesley Malin - Managing Director      
• Karen Morgan - Dramaturge – AYLI                
• Tami Moon - Event Producer                                            
• Chris Niebling - Fight Chorographer  
• Dan O'Brien - Master Carpenter        
• Mary Pohlig - Event Producer II       
• Jared Putman - Program Designer                                          
• James Ricks - Director – Henry V     
• Chris Schlegel - Logo/Print Guy                       
• Kendra Van Wyck - Props Master

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company excels at producing Shakespeare that is high energy and accessible to everyone.  "We especially love families in attendance.  It's particularly fulfilling to watch parents passing along the enjoyment and enrichment of outdoor Shakespeare to new generations.  That's why we're delighted to announce that Pitney Bowes' Group One Software will be providing free admission to every child under 18 to any performance of either show," explains Managing Director Lesley Malin.   Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

 "Pitney Bowes understands that literacy and education are the building blocks of communication," said Christopher Baker, President of Group 1 Software. "We're proud to support this exciting opportunity to give area children the opportunity to have such a wonderful theatrical experience."

Being a part of the Shakespeare in Washington Festival adds another element to this summer's festivities.  It brings with it the spotlight on this area and the company.  CSC expects patrons to come from all around the Greater Washington/Baltimore region to enjoy the shows this summer.  CSC is the only Baltimore-area theatre to have been honored with an invitation to participate in the Festival and is the "northern frontier" of the event. 

In addition to the performances, at the show, CSC also offers:

• The Pearl Spa Show-Before-the-Show will feature musicians, jugglers and variety acts that will perform for picnickers who arrive early to enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic park. 
• Patrons will also have the option of having dinner waiting for them at the theatre.  Pre-ordered dinners, courtesy of Absolutely Perfect Catering, feature Deconstructed Wraps and Kids Options that can be ordered through our website, www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com.  

This summer will also include special events and activities:

• Fridays are billed as Fun Formal Fridays, where couples can rent a private candlelit table. 
• Sundays are Family Friendly and include many activities especially designed for children. 
• Fathers' Day will be highlighted with a performance of Henry V, and all fathers will be given complimentary admission when attending with their children. 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com, by calling 866.811.4111 or prior to the performance at the box office. Groups of 10 or more, please call 410.313.8874. For general information, call the CSC offices at 410.313.8874.

PHOTOS: TOP: Christina Schlegel and Wayne Willinger in As You Like It.  BOTTOM: Patrick Kilpatrick in Henry V.  Photos by Kitty R Photography.

 

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