Shakespeare to Make Little Theatre of Manchester Debut in TWELFTH NIGHT

Magic, mayhem, and mistaken identities come to Manchester this August when Little Theatre of Manchester presents its first Shakespeare play, the irresistible romantic comedy TWELFTH NIGHT!

TWELFTH NIGHT runs August 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28, 2016, at Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Rd, Manchester. Friday and Saturday evening performances will be held at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees will be at 2:00 pm.

Tickets are $19-$25 with discounts available for both seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 860-647-9824 or visiting www.littletheatreofmanchester.org. Press night for TWELFTH NIGHT is Friday, August 12 at 7:30 pm.

Director Shane William Kegler of East Hartford will transport audiences to Illyria - a topsy-turvy place, where everything is turned upside down and nothing is what it seems. Following a shipwreck on a strange shore, Viola fears her brother dead and is forced to build a new life on her own. Adopting a male disguise and entering the service of the handsome Duke Orsino, Viola finds herself in the middle of a triangle of unrequited love. Viola loves Orsino, who thinks he loves Olivia. Olivia thinks she loves Cesario who is really Viola, dressed as a man. Nobody really knows who they are or what they want. Brimming with wild infatuations, swooning serenades, drunken high-jinx, and beloved characters, TWELFTH NIGHT remains an audience favorite!

This production of TWELFTH NIGHT will be set in modern times. "Our goal is to make this play as accessible as possible to an audience who may or may not have any experience with Shakespeare," said Mr. Kegler. "We have a lovely story, with a very talented cast, being told is a humorous boisterous manner. This show has something for everyone!"

Cast of TWELFTH NIGHT (in alphabetical order):

Alysa Auriemma of Manchester: Olivia

John "Mason" Beiter of Suffield: Curio/Officer

Ed Bernstein of Hartford: Malvolio

Joseph Dias of Colchester: Antonio/Sea Captain

Chad Dominique of Willington: Fabian

Samantha Figueroa of Ashford: Attendant to Olivia

Jennifer Jensen of West Hartford: Maria

Josh Karam of Suffield: Duke Orsino

Zack LaSala of Tolland: Valentine

Rayah Martin of Manchester: Feste

Sarah Oschmann of Windham: Viola

Daynah Richburg of Manchester: Attendant to Olivia

Nathan Rumney of Manchester: Sir Andrew Aguecheek

Wayne Trembly of Mansfield Center: Sir Toby Belch

Corey Welden of Mansfield: Sebastian

Manchester Community College students can receive a free general admission ticket with a valid student ID, and Greater Hartford Arts Council Let's GO Arts! members are eligible for 2-for-1 tickets.

The Little Theatre of Manchester (LTM) was founded in 1960 for the purpose of producing community theater. Since its inception, LTM's volunteers have put on more than 650 quality performances that have been well-received and applauded by various members of the community. In the 1980s, the Little Theatre worked with the Town of Manchester in restoring Cheney Hall. In 1991, the extensive, award-winning restoration was completed and the state's oldest operating theater became the theatrical residence of the Little Theatre of Manchester. Today, programming is comprised of five main-stage theatre productions, numerous concerts, special events, and a range of other cultural, business, civic, and private functions. The Little Theatre is proud to serve a growing, annual audience of approximately 10,000, If you would like to connect with us and find out more, visit us at www.littletheatreofmanchester.org and you can find us on Facebook to stay updated with all our events.