Sir Patrick Stewart Headlines at Orlando Shakespeare Theater Tonight

Renowned film, television, and stage actor, Sir Patrick Stewart, will headline An Evening with Sir Patrick Stewart at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF tonight, March 15, 2013 at 8 p.m. Sir Patrick will discuss his love of Shakespeare and share stories from his illustrious career in an Inside the Actor's Studio format hosted by Orlando Shakes Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. After the discussion, audience members will get the opportunity to participate in a brief question and answer session.

Best known to American audiences for his roles on Star Trek and the X-Men film series, Sir Patrick Stewart also has an impressive resume in the theatrical world. During his association with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Sir Patrick acted in over 50 shows including King John, The Merchant of Venice, Henry IV, Julius Caesar, and Titus Andronicus. His other West End and Broadway performances include A Life in the Theatre, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?, The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, The Master Builder, The Tempest, and a one-man version of A Christmas Carol.

"We're delighted to have Sir Patrick here at Orlando Shakes. While many people know of him through TV and movies, many may not be familiar with his vast experience performing Shakespeare," states Jim Helsinger Orlando Shakes Artistic Director. "It will be thrilling to spend an evening discussing his life in the theater."

Over the years, Sir Patrick Stewart has been nominated for a multitude of awards. In the West End, he garnered three Olivier Awards for his work in Hamlet, Antony and Cleopatra, and A Christmas Carol. In New York Theater, he has won a Drama Desk Award for A Christmas Carol and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 2008 for the title role in Macbeth. In addition to the above, Sir Patrick has a Grammy Award, four Primetime Emmy nominations, and two Golden Globe nods.

In television, Sir Patrick portrayed the beloved Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also appeared in Extras, The Lion in Winter, King of Texas, A Christmas Carol, and Moby Dick. Along with his turn as Professor Xavier in X-Men, Sir Patrick's movie credits include Dune, Conspiracy Theory, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and LA Story. As a voiceover artist, he has lent his voice to Family Guy, The Prince of Egypt, Ted, American Dad, Ice Age, and the upcoming Dorothy of Oz.

Recently, Sir Patrick Stewart starred in a revival of the 1973 play Bingo at the Young Vic in London. His upcoming work includes teaming up with Sir Ian McKellen for Waiting for Godot and No Man's Land, playing in repertory on Broadway this fall.

Ticket prices range from $50 - $100. No photos are allowed and no autograph requests will be granted during the show. All proceeds benefit Orlando Shakespeare Theater programming.

Because of Sir Patrick's appearance, the scheduled Sense and Sensibility performance on March 15th has been canceled. Ticketholders will be contacted by the Box Office to discuss alternative ticketing options. The Odyssey on March 15th is still going on as scheduled.

An Evening with Sir Patrick Stewart will be held at Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater, John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, Fla. One Night Only! March 15, 2013 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at 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.

Now celebrating its 24th season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed Equity theaters producing bold professional theater in Central Florida. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to achieve the highest standards, while preserving its artistic and cultural legacy. Through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new plays. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving over 25,000 young people, families, and schools annually.