Jason Asprey, Paul Bernardo, Nigel Gore, Anne Hering & More to Lead Orlando Shakespeare Theater's JULIUS CAESAR

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents a timeless retelling of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar from March 19 - April 20, 2014. The classic drama comes to life on the intimate Goldman Theater stage under the direction of Tina Packer, founder and former Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company, "a troupe that has kept the Berkshires ringing with the sound of blank verse for 32 years" (The New York Times). The small cast includes Jason Asprey, Paul Bernardo, Nigel Gore, Anne Hering, Jim Ireland, A. Ross Neal, and Esau Pritchett. Tickets ($17 - $40) are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at http://orlandoshakes.org, or in person at 812 East Rollins St., Orlando, FL 32803.

When men feel they can no longer trust their leader, where is the line between patriotism and personal ambition? Caesar, the most popular general in Rome, is assassinated, leaving two men - the honorable Brutus and the ambitious Cassius - to divide the spoils. But they've acted without Mark Antony, Caesar's devoted follower and determined successor, and soon the world they have fought to preserve is brought to the brink of anarchy. Julius Caesar is a dazzling masterpiece of betrayal, violence, and perhaps most surprisingly - love.

"Shakespeare's tale of politics, friendship, blood, and war will surround, involve, and energize the audience in our intimate Goldman Theater," said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. "Audiences will feel like they're right on top of the action!"

Director Tina Packer is considered to be one of the world's foremost leading experts on Shakespeare. She has directed over 50 Shakespeare productions, as well as contemporary works, for Shakespeare & Company. She has acted opposite the likes of John Barton, Peter Hall, John Schlesinger, Sir Ian McKellen, Paul Scofield, Janet Suzman, and Ian Richardson. Over the years, Packer has received countless awards, honors, and fellowships including: the Ronson Award; Guggenheim and Bunting Fellowships; and the 1999-2000 Arts Recipient of the Commonwealth Award. She has authored two books Power Plays: Shakespeare's Lessons in Leadership and Management and Tales From Shakespeare, and is the subject of the WGBH documentary Sex, Violence and Poetry: A Portrait of Tina Packer, and Helen Epstein's biography The Companies She Keeps.

"I saw Tina's Women of Will Off-Broadway in New York this past summer---It was smashing! I can't wait to bring that kind of excitement and her expertise to Orlando," said Helsinger.

The Orlando Shakes creative team includes Fight Director Bill Warriner, Assistant Director Thomas Ouellette, Movement Coach Kristin Wold, Set Designer Ryan McGettigan, Lighting Designer Eric Haugen, Costume Designer Kristina Tollefson, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

PROLOGUE SERIES

Starting 30 minutes before each performance of Julius Caesar, an Orlando Shakes actor leads the audience in a discussion of the plot, themes, and major characters in the production.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY

Prior to the show on March 21, audience members are invited to enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres from CRAVE America (www.CRAVEamerica.com). The Opening Night Party begins at 6:30 p.m. and everyone is invited. No RSVP necessary.

THURSDAY TALK BACK

Stay after the performance on Thursday, April 3 for an informal Q & A with the cast and members of the design team.

PLAYSHOP

Bring your school-age children to the performance on March 30 at 2 p.m. to participate in a fun and creative camp for the duration of the show. Led by Orlando Shakes Actor/Educators, theatergoers' children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy supervised arts and crafts, play educational games, and maybe even learn a song or dance. The service is available to all ticket buyers for just $15 per child. Advanced registration required with a minimum of 5 business days before the performance.

DATES AND PRICES

Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. - all seats $35, $30, $20

Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. - all seats $40, $35, $30

Preview Performances - $18

Senior Matinees - $17

DISCOUNTS

Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+

Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID

Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

Single and Season Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park.