Much Ado About Classics In Color

Classics in Color: An INclusive Theatre Company (CiC) brings the classical story of "Much Ado About Nothing" in Shakespeare's words to present day New York City, March 21st - 25th, 2018. "Much Ado" is CiC's first full solo production as a company, allowing its mission to shine in every aspect of the production: inclusive casting, inclusive producing team, inclusive team of designers, performed in a fully accessible venue, for audiences and actors with, or without, disabilities. CiC's Artistic Director Nafeesa Monroe produces and makes her New York directorial debut, leading an inclusive team of performers and designers: set design by Korean-American architect and professor Keena Suh & partner Markus Waschewsky, costume design by Haitian-American stylist and actress Mimi Moss, lighting design by Robyn Warfield, produced by African-American actor, writer, and producer Thomas Brazzle, associate produced by actress, writer, and producer Atalanta Siegel, and African-American professor Tamika Watkins.

"Much Ado About Nothing" explores the real world of friends returning from war, true friendship and love, and misunderstandings and reconciliation. This tale of assumptions, of how women should behave, of how men should react, and what happens when one listens to rumors and not one's heart has never been more timely. "Much Ado" is led by a strong, sharp witted woman, Beatrice, played by CiC Company Member Lolita Foster (Orange is the New Black, Proof). The play explores gender expectations and perceptions, examines love from many angles, and is both a moving drama and a laugh out loud comedy. CiC's "Much Ado" demonstrates a community of people of different ethnicities, genders, and disabilities working together to bring a beautiful, heart-centered story to life. Through the inclusivity of the artists building this project, we reflect the diverse community in which we live, inviting you, our community, to see themselves in Shakespeare.

Classics in Color: An INclusive Theatre Company (CIC), founded by Nafeesa Monroe, focuses on producing vibrantly and inclusively cast and designed classic works for the stage, expanding the perception of classical theatre. As a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-abled ensemble, Classics in Color embraces the theatre of inclusion, on stage and off, opening up and extending the understanding of classic tales. Classically trained actors of all colors and backgrounds grace our stage with power and insight under the guidance of world class theatre artists from around the country. Classics in Color: classics by all the people, for all the people.

CAST:
Beatrice: Lolita Christina Foster*
Benedick: Jason C. Brown*
Leonato: Laura E. Johnston*
Hero/Borachio: Kathleen O'Neal
Claudio/Sexton: Elliot Flynn
Don John/Dogberry: Zoe Anastassiou*
Don Pedro/Watchman: Kelly Cooper*
Margaret/Verges: Susan Ly
Antonio/Friar Francis: Ramon Martinez

Beatrice Understudy: Barrie Kealoha Linberg*
Benedick Understudy: Michael Basile*
Hero/Margaret Understudy: Zuri Washington*
Claudio/Sexton Understudy: James S. Patton
NOTE: Our understudies will perform Saturday, March 24th, at 2:00pm!

*These Actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.