Shakespeare on the Sound Presents MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, 6/16-7/10

Shakespeare on the Sound, Connecticut's premier outdoor summer Shakespeare theater company, announces the Apprentice Company for its upcoming production of Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing, under the direction of Joanna Settle. This year's Apprentice Company of 16 is the largest group yet, chosen from over 120 applicants. The 2011 Apprentice Company includes Gabby Acquaviva (Darien, CT), Iman Al-Salihi (Kirkuk, Iraq), Scott Bartelson (Stratford, CT), Kiana Khozein (Westport, CT), Alexa LaVersa (Stamford, CT), Ali McGarey (Darien, CT), Marquerite McHale (Greenwich, CT), K.C. Morse (Stamford, CT), James O'Reilly (Redding, CT), Jacob Presson (Wilton, CT), Amy Rissolo (Darien, CT), Gus Ruchman (Cos Cob, CT), Jithendra Seneviratne (Colombo, Sri Lanka), Amanda Smith (Croton-on-Hudson, NY), Elena Stein (Rowayton, CT), and Emily Williams (Stamford, CT).

Shakespeare on the Sound's Apprentice Company gives theater students and developing artists the opportunity to work with some of the country's leading professionals. Apprentices learn firsthand about theater production, performance, design, and management. The program provides a deeply meaningful and educational opportunity for growth and development to selected high school and college-age youth with a demonstrated interest in theater, providing direct access to national leaders in the field.

"Our program affords a unique opportunity to learn not only about matters of production, but also about the life of an artist," explained Settle. "Our lives are a part not only of how we respond to the material we are dealing with, but how we shape our careers. We are the field. That spirit will be in our apprentice program. The program will be shaped to explore and support their interests, in addition to giving them exposure to the profession via their work on the show. We seek, in our apprentice program, to develop the whole artist."

In addition, a small group of previous Apprentice Company graduates lobbied for continued training with the company, and part of that process involved designing their own programs of involvement with the company for this season. Joining Shakespeare on the Sound this year as "Associates" will be Liliana De Rossi (Dramaturgy & House Management Associate), Cordelia Diamond (Costume Associate), Will Doughty (Stage Management Associate), Kyle Radler (Education Associate), and Noelle Valentine (Directing Associate).

Much Ado About Nothing will play two beautiful locations on Long Island Sound and feature actors Mozhan Marnó (Beatrice), Gregory Wooddell (Benedick), Claire Brownell (Hero), William Jackson Harper (Claudio), Jesse J. Perez (Don Pedro, Borachio, Ursula), Orlando Pabotoy (Don John, Dogberry, Margaret), Ramsey Faragallah (Leonato), Chivas Michael (Balthasar), and James O'Reilly, Jithendra Seneviratne, and Jacob Presson (Dogberry's Men).

As previously announced, Stew and Heidi Rodewald will again return to Shakespeare on the Sound for a third consecutive season to create all new music and songs for the production. Jesse J. Perez will choreograph. Set Designer Andrew Lieberman, Costume Designer Tilly Grimes, Lighting Designer Keith Parham, Sound System Designer Jessica Paz, and Sound Designer Obadiah Eaves will also return this summer. Much Ado About Nothing will play Pinkney Park, Rowayton June 16 - 26 and Baldwin Park, Greenwich July 5 - 10, 2011.

Much Ado About Nothing will get the now famous Settle/Stew/Rodewald treatment as they plunge into the whirlwind romance, rivalry, and revelry of Beatrice and Benedick, who like so many modern couples are quick to defend themselves from love with wit and humor. As the characters undo each other through Shakespeare's biting and cunning language, Shakespeare on the Sound audiences will be undone alike by this intimate waterfront production.

Now in its sixteenth season, Shakespeare on the Sound has established itself as one of the most popular summer theater companies on the East Coast, drawing large audiences to each performance in the unique under-the-stars settings of its waterfront venues.

Audiences are invited to arrive early and picnic in the park before the performance. There is no admission fee, but a donation of $20 ($10 for students and seniors) is suggested. In Rowayton, parking is limited and early arrival is suggested. In Greenwich, the production is a five minute walk from the Greenwich Metro-North stop. Ample parking is available.

For rail and road directions, visit www.shakespeareonthesound.org.

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