Brian Reddy, Linda Kimbrough & Richard Hollis to Lead Center Stage's TWELFTH NIGHT

Center Stage announces this week casting for the upcoming production of William Shakespeare's beloved romantic adventure, Twelfth Night. Under the direction of Center Stage Associate Artistic Director Gavin Witt, the production begins rehearsals this week, preview performances start March 5, and the show runs through April 6.

In Center Stage's first foray back to the Bard under the leadership of Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah, Twelfth Night takes audiences into the beautiful and mysterious land of Illyria. Revelry, disguises, swashbuckling, and pining lovers abound in the tale of twins Viola and Sebastian, separated in a shipwreck and caught in a maze of mistaken identity and mismatched ardor.

Broadway and film veteran, Brian Reddy, will take on the inebriated but cunning Sir Toby Belch in his Center Stage debut. His many Broadway credits include the recent Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Scarlett Johansson and Ciarán Hinds, as well as productions of Gypsy, Finian's Rainbow, and the National Company of M Butterfly. Mr. Reddy has also appeared in regional roles throughout the country, was a company member with the Shakespeare Theatre in DC, and his extensive film and television work spans from O Brother Where Art Thou, The Birdcage, and Casino to Elementary, House of Cards, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Taking on the role of the musical and mysterious fool, Feste, is Linda Kimbrough. Known for her long working relationship with David Mamet, she has appeared in many of his productions and films, including Red Belt and State & Main. Ms. Kimbrough has performed Off Broadway and internationally, and her many regional appearances include roles at Actors' Theatre of Louisville, Goodman Theatre, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

Richard Hollis will play Sir Toby's eager sidekick Sir Andrew Aguecheek. A longtime performer in Great Britain, his credits there include numerous roles at the National Theatre on London's West End, and many BBC productions. Mr. Hollis has also appeared across the US in regional theaters, as well as in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows and Believe, an upcoming television show from Alfonso Cuarón.

Caroline Hewitt returns to Center Stage as the shipwrecked heroine, spirited Viola. Baltimore audiences will recognize her from the romantic shenanigans of The Rivals (2011-12 Season). Her other Off Broadway and regional productions include Arcadia, The Winter's Tale, and The Great Gatsby. As Orsino, the object of Viola's affection, Center Stage welcomes William Connell. He has appeared on NBC's Smash, and his many New York and regional credits include productions of The Importance of Being Earnest, Hamlet, and As You Like It. Vanessa Wasche plays Olivia, the object of many affections. Most recently a recurring role on the hit show, The Good Wife, Ms. Wasche has also appeared in numerous regional productions, including Venus in Fur, Major Barbara, A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It, and Romeo and Juliet.

Viola's separated twin, Sebastian, will be played by Buddy Haardt, whose Off Broadway and regional credits include As You like It, Red, and the world premiere production of Ward 57. Jon Hudson Odom plays Sebastian's devoted companion. He has appeared locally in Yellowman at Rep Stage, Our Town at Ford's Theatre, You Can't Take It with You at Everyman Theatre, as well as regional productions at Goodman Theatre, Studio Theatre, and Theatre Alliance.

Julie-Ann Elliott will play Olivia's feisty and flirtatious Maria. A Maryland native, she has appeared in dozens of productions through the region, including at Everyman, Studio Theater, Shakespeare Theatre, and Olney Theatre; and will appear in the upcoming film James Boy. Making his Center Stage debut as Olivia's strict steward Malvolio is Allen McCullough. He has appeared in the Broadway national tour of Twelve Angry Men, as well as Off Broadway and regionally at Ensemble Studio, Folger Theatre, Westport Playhouse, and many others. He is founding co-Director of Living Room Theatre, which creates site specific art performances. Rounding out the company, wearing many hats as various citizens of Illyria-and providing much of the live music onstage-is Ryan McCurdy. Mr. McCurdy has appeared in the Broadway Cares fundraisers, Easter Bonnet 2013 and Gypsy of the Year 2012, as well as in New York productions including No Fear Shakespeare's Richard III and Othello.

Twelfth Night begins previews on Wednesday, March 5. The show opens officially on Wednesday, March 12, and closes April 6. Tickets start at $19 and can be purchased by calling 410.332.0033, or visiting www.centerstage.org. Full information on the season can be found at www.centerstage.org/2013-14season.

Photo by Walter McBride

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