Orlando Shakespeare Theater Hosts 6th Annual Mock Trial Tonight

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF will hold its 6th Annual Mock Trial tonight, February 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park.

Presented by the Bard's Board Barristers, this year's mock trial is based on Charles Dickens' The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I and II (adapted for the stage by David Edgar). Ticket holders will watch as the Margeson Theater is transformed into an interactive courtroom and Nicholas Nickleby is put on the stand, charged with the assault and battery of Headmaster Wackford Squeers, along with the kidnapping of the young orphan Smike. Tickets, priced at $25 (regular) and $15 (students), are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at 812 East Rollins Street.

The 6th Annual Mock Trial features actors from Orlando Shakes' upcoming production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (running January 22 - March 9, 2014). The audience will render an advisory verdict and a panel of five special guest judges will announce the final ruling. Kimberly Ashby, a shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt LLP, and John Hamilton, a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, will serve as the advocates.

"We're very excited to present Orlando Shakespeare Theater's 2014 Mock Trial, based on the Theater's epic production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby," said Mock Trial Committee Leader Cory L. Taylor, Partner at Roetzel & Andress, LPA. "This year's Mock Trial promises to have a number of dramatic twists and surprises!"

The public event also includes an opportunity to mingle with leading members of Central Florida's legal, business, and artistic communities in a pre-show cocktail hour. Starting at 6:00 p.m., all ticket holders are invited to enjoy light hors d'oeuvres provided by CRAVE (www.craveamerica.com) and one complimentary drink.

Since 2009, the Bard's Board Barristers have hosted mock trials that explore contemporary legal thought using classic plays as their template. Past mock trials have considered whether Shakespeare's Hamlet was indeed insane when he killed Polonius, and addressed a contentious Darcy v. Wickham defamation lawsuit based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The 6th Annual Mock Trial is sponsored by Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC). Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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