Noël Coward's HAY FEVER Extended At Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce another extension in its 2019 Season, this time for Noël Coward's "Hay Fever." Originally slated to close on March 6, the farce will extend it's run to Saturday, March 9 due to overwhelming popular demand. Discounted previews begin February 12 and are nearly sold out in the Historic Arcade Theatre.

"This is an unprecedented announcement," said Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen, "because this will be the fourth extension we're able to announce for the latter half of our season. Not only are we opening new blocks of tickets for 'Hay Fever,' but we've also announced significant extensions for 'Tenderly,' 'Million Dollar Quartet,' and 'Native Gardens.' The presales for the latter half of the season are overwhelming, and we are delighted so many in Southwest Florida are able to see our work."

Set against the backdrop of the glamorous 1920s, this classic farce is Coward at his finest: razor-sharp and as dry as a martini. The Bohemian Bliss family is gathered for a relaxing weekend in the English countryside and unbeknownst to the others, each of them has invited a guest. What was supposed to be a weekend of leisure spirals into mayhem as the family's eccentricities prove too much for their unsuspecting visitors.

Regional Theatre and Broadway veterans, Kate Levy and Matt Sullivan make their Florida Rep debuts to lead the cast as the eccentric stage actress, Judith Bliss, and her egotistical writer husband, David Bliss. Levy was seen most recently on Broadway in "Bernhardt/Hamlet," and Sullivan's recent regional credits include the Guthrie Theatre, Minetta Lane, and Baltimore Center Stage. Also making their Florida Rep debuts are New-York actors, Jake Murphy and Olivia Stevenson as Simon and Sorel, the equally eccentric and self-centered Bliss children. Murphy was recently seen off-Broadway at the Potomac Theatre Company, and Stevenson worked recently with Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe.

Florida Rep ensemble members Rachel Burttram and Brendan Powers are joined by frequent guest artist, Seth Andrew Bridges and current acting intern company member, Sydney Torres as the Bliss' unsuspecting guests. Burttram appeared most recently in Florida Rep's "Steel Magnolias," and both Powers and Torres were seen in the company's adaptation of "A Christmas Carol: The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge" earlier this season. Bridges returns to Florida Rep after appearing in the 2016 regional premiere of "The Dingdong," as well as extensive work at Alabama Shakespeare and Syracuse Stage. Also returning to Florida Rep's stage is British stage and screen actress, Lesley Staples as the Bliss' long-suffering maid. Staples, who now calls Southwest Florida home, last appeared at Florida Rep in "Enchanted April" in 2007.

Mark Shanahan returns to direct "Hay Fever" this season after his work as director and playwright on "A Christmas Carol: The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge" and directing previous Florida Rep hits "How the Other Half Loves," "Around the World in 80 Days" and "Hound of the Baskervilles." Shanahan leads a creative team, including Set Designer Dennis Maulden ("The Mousetrap"), Costume Designer Jacquelyn Loy ("Becoming Dr. Ruth"), Lighting Designer David M. Upton ("Over the River and Through the Woods", Sound Designer Katie Lowe ("Damascus"), and ensemble Stage Manager Janine Wochna ("A Christmas Carol").

"Hay Fever" by Noël Coward is generously sponsored by "Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace, FineMark National Bank & Trust, and Dr. Klucka Allergy & Asthma.

Tickets are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488. Tickets are at $55 and $49 for regular performances, and $35 and $29 for previews. Subscriptions start as low as $99 for three plays and offer the best seats and the most significant savings, and are available through the box office. Box office hours are Monday through Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM. New this season, Florida Rep's parking lot opens 2 hours before each performance and offers guests limited free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org, and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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