TU to Present THE DEVIL'S BRIDE

TU is thrilled to bring back Joan Silsby's highly acclaimed original sequel to Shakespeare's classic comedy "Much Ado About Nothing."

LOS ANGELES - Whatever happened to the lovers Benedick, Beatrice, Claudio and Hero? What was the fate of the cunning and villainous Don John the Bastard? How did the royals of Messina fair after the twisting and turning events of Much Ado About Nothing?

Theatre Unleashed answers those questions and more with The Devil's Bride, an original sequel to one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays from playwright Joan Silsby, playing April 14-May 21 at The Belfry Stage in North Hollywood.

"Nearly ten years ago, The Devil's Bride was the first full-length L.A. production I performed in and I remembered how much fun it was for patrons and actors alike," said Artistic Director Jenn Scuderi Crafts. "While choosing shows for this, our 10th season, I remembered the script and knew it would be an excellent addition. Much Ado About Nothing is such a beloved play, that I know our audience will delight in following these familiar characters on their next journey."

The Devil's Bride is a romantic comedy-mystery that takes place a week after the events in Shakespeare's classic, with the villainous Don John the Bastard still languishing in Messina's jail after attempting to thwart his rival's wedding. Don John is given a chance to redeem himself, if he consents to marry Signore Benedick's sister Allegra. However, Lady Allegra is under a Gypsy curse. She has already been engaged three times, and all three of her intended bridegrooms have died before reaching the altar. Will Don John be next?

"The Devil's Bride is a witty, insightful and sexy take on the redemption of John the Bastard," said Director Wendy Gough Soroka. "The play takes us back to our favorite characters from Much Ado, but this time we see them through the lens of a 21st-century playwright, which I personally find delightfully satisfying. It's the romance between John and Allegra, though, that truly makes the play sizzle."

Wendy originated the title role in The Devil's Bride world premiere in 2006 and she is thrilled to be directing this time around. Recent directing projects for Theatre Unleashed include Friends Like These and Sleeping Around, both presented at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Her own play, CAKE, was seen last fall on TU's Main Stage.

More information can be found on www.theatreunleashed.org.