Acclaimed Propeller Theatre Company Comes to Boston

Boston University School of Theatre in association with the Huntington Theatre Company brings the internationally acclaimed Propeller Theatre Company to Boston for the first time to perform Shakespeare's Richard III and The Comedy of Errors in ambitious rotating repertory. An all-male cast of fourteen actors takes on over 40 roles in the two boisterous productions. Propeller is currently on an international tour that includes only three U.S. cities; Boston is the final U.S. stop.

"There is far more to Propeller than boys in high heels," remarks The Independent. The U.K.-based Propeller mounts muscular and testosterone-fueled productions of Shakespeare's works unique for their dynamic physicality, imaginative theatricality, and a modern flair - all while honoring the original text. The multi-talented actors infuse the productions with music and live sound as they sing and play musical instruments throughout.

In Richard III, Shakespeare's most villainous king embarks on a fiendishly entertaining and diabolic adventure to scheme and murder his way to the throne. Propeller's production, set in a gothic Victorian hospital, features evocative, bloody imagery in the style of Grand Guignol. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Set "south of the border," The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins that were separated at birth and reunite 25 years later with hilarious consequences. Mistaken identities, assumed personas, slapstick physical comedy, and a mariachi band make The Comedy of Errors a fun-filled family experience. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

"Shakespeare challenges every preconceived notion about people, about morality, about what it is to be human," says Hall. "Our culture and society, mainly led by the media, demands that we make instant judgments about everything. Shakespeare reminds you not to get caught up in that vortex."

Propeller has previously toured Shakespeare's Henry V internationally and the hugely acclaimed Rose Rage (Henry VI, Parts I, II, and III) across the U.K. and to Chicago and New York, among other productions. The company is led by Artistic Director Edward Hall, son of acclaimed British theatre director Sir Peter Hall, who returns to the Huntington having previously staged the U.S. premiere of local author Richard N. Goodwin's hit play Two Men of Florence.

"Ed's production of Two Men of Florence was a monumental experience my first season, and I am delighted now to bring his dynamic company to Boston," says Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois. "Propeller's actors are incomparably talented - they hit the darkest notes of the drama and the antic shenanigans of the comedy. Boston audiences will want to make sure they see both of these productions to fully appreciate the scope of Propeller's theatrical skill."

Edward Hall (director) is the artistic director of Propeller Theatre Company and Hampstead Theatre. His productions of The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night's Dream are currently touring the U.K. prior to a world tour including New York and Tokyo. His production of A Midsummer Night's Dream played in London in 2003, and New York's Brooklyn Academy Of Music in 2004 (Drama Desk Award nominations for Best Director and Best Production). His production of Rose Rage (an adaptation of Henry VI parts I, II, and III) played in London (Olivier Award nomination) before touring the U.K. and the world, including Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in 2003 (Jefferson Awards for Best Play, Director, and Ensemble) and the Duke Theatre in New York. Mr. Hall's other theatre credits include The Deep Blue Sea (Vaudeville Theatre); The Taming of the Shrew (OBIE Award) and Twelfth Night (The Old Vic and world tour, Drama Desk Award nomination in New York); Once in a Lifetime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Olivier Award nomination), and Edmond with Kenneth Branagh (all for The National Theatre); A Streetcar Named Desire with Natasha Richardson and John C. Reilly (Roundabout Theatre Company); Macbeth with Sean Bean and Samantha Bond (Albery Theatre); and Julius Caesar, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Comedy of Errors, and Henry V (all for Royal Shakespeare Company). He has also directed for television.

THE CAST
Propeller Theatre Company members featured in the two productions include Tony Bell, Kelsey Brookfield, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Wayne Cater, Richard Clothier, John Dougall, Richard Frame, Robert Hands, Chris Myles, David Newman, Thomas Padden, Sam Swainsbury, Dominic Tighe, and Jon Trenchard.

PRODUCTION ARTISTS
The creative team for Richard III and The Comedy of Errors includes costume and production design by Michael Pavelka (Rose Rage), lighting design by Ben Ormerod (Beautiful Burnout at National Theatre of Scotland), composition and sound design by David Gregory (Wages of Thin at the Old Red Lion), music by Propeller, and additional arrangements and original music by Jon Trenchard. Production manager is Nick Ferguson; company manager is Nick Chesterfield.

SPONSORS
The Huntington's Grand Patron is Boston University. The 2010-2011 Season Sponsor is J. David Wimberly. Richard III and The Comedy of Errors Production Co-Sponsors are Dola Stemberg and Bill and Linda McQuillan.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM
"Propeller has brought Shakespeare kicking and screaming into the 21st Century." - Metro

"Propeller triumphs again! Beg, borrow, or steal a ticket." - Farnham Herald (Richard III)

"The bawdiest, smartest, funniest, most outrageously alive Shakespeare in ages." - New York Post (The Comedy of Errors)

HELPFUL LINKS
Propeller Theatre Company: propeller.org.uk

Propeller at Huntington Theatre Company: huntingtontheatre.org/propeller

The Independent: "A new spin on Shakespeare," and more: huntingtontheatre.org/propellerpress

ABOUT THE HUNTINGTON
Since its founding in 1982, the Huntington Theatre Company has developed into Boston's leading theatre company. Bringing together superb local and national talent, the Huntington produces a mix of groundbreaking new works and classics made current. Led by Artistic Director Peter DuBois and Managing Director Michael Maso, the Huntington creates award-winning productions, runs nationally renowned programs in education and new play development, and serves the local theatre community through its operation of the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. The Huntington is in residence at Boston University. For more information, visit huntingtontheatre.org.

ABOUT BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEATRE
The School of Theatre in the Boston University College of Fine Arts was established in 1954 as one of the country's leading institutions for the study of acting, directing, design, production, management, and all aspects of the theatrical profession. In recent years, the School of Theatre has evolved into an energetic place that values the notion of "the new conservatory," which fosters the artistic benefits of collaboration, a rigorous and intellectually demanding curriculum, a nurturing and supportive community of artists, and strong, meaningful interaction with the profession. Current professional programs include the New Play Initiative (NPI); the Boston Center for American Performance (BCAP), the School's professional production extension; and the BU Professional Theatre Initiative (PTI), which provides strong interaction with many professional theatres highlighted by its longstanding relationship with the Huntington Theatre Company, Boston's premiere regional theatre in residence at BU.

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