Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Present World Premiere of Rob Keefe's THE CORTEZ METHOD, 8/29-9/22

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents the World Premiere of the dark comedy, The Cortez Method, written by Rob Keefe and directed by Mark Routhier. Having garnered attention at Orlando Shakes' annual new play festival, PlayFest, The Cortez Method will receive its official debut in Harriett's New Play Series. The show runs August 29 - September 22, 2013 in the Mandell Studio Theater at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Tickets, priced at $17 - $25, are on sale now at (407) 447-1700 or www.orlandoshakes.org.

The Cortez Method is a darkly comedic piece that questions what happens when bad decisions are made for the right reasons. Sara and Bill are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new baby, when an unexpected visit from Bill's older brother, Walter, upends their hopeful future by shedding light on their troubled past. Keefe's play forces audiences to deal with infidelity, prescription drugs, home improvement, and the dysfunctional family in the middle of it all.

Mark Routhier, Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Director of New Play Development, first came in contact with The Cortez Method when he played Walter in a New Orleans workshop. Routhier was struck by the play's sense of humor and Sara's visceral need to make a family. Routhier brought the script to Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, who agreed to put it in PlayFest last year.

"Our audience reaction to the reading was passionate [and] the post-show discussion was charged," said Routhier. "I'm looking forward to digging into this play and finding more of its humor, its darkness, and its depth with our talented cast."

Orlando Shakespeare Theater first presented The Cortez Method as a staged reading at PlayFest in November 2012. A nationally recognized new play festival, PlayFest focuses on the creative process from page to the stage and affords the playwright the opportunity to work with top directors and actors in Orlando and beyond.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production features actors Paul Bernardo as Bill, Riley Clermont as Walter, Suzanne O'Donnell as Sara, and Melanie Whipple as Odette. The creative team includes Scenic Designer Robbin Watts, Costume Designer Molly Walz, Lighting Designer Mary Heffernan, and Sound Designer George Hamrah.

Single tickets, season subscriptions, and Season Flex Passes 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.