Shakespeare & Friends Festival Presents 'Julius Caesar'

In the second production of its 2007-2008 Shakespeare & Friends Festival, New Theatre presents William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, July 12 through August 5.  The production is adapted and directed by Roberto Prestigiacomo, under the artistic direction of Ricky J. Martinez.   

The cast is comprised of veteran performers including Larry Robinson, making his New Theatre debut in the role of Julius Caesar.  An award-winning performer with a 20-year career in stage and film, Robinson  has toured throughout the U.S. with African Folk Tales and his own show on African American Heroes.   

Christopher Vicchiollo, who portrays Marcus Antonius, has been performing in South Florida for more than a decade and has reprised numerous Shakespearean roles throughout his career.  James Randolph, who portrays Marcus Brutus, has appeared in more than 100 plays, films and television commercials, ranging from classical to contemporary.  He received the Carbonell Award for Best Supporting Actor for dual roles in Tony Kushner's epic play Angels in America. 

Three members of New Theatre's Apprentice Program, which provides practical experience for students training as actors, directors and/or other stage production, are also involved in the production.  

A native of Rome, Julius Caesar's adapter/director Roberto Prestigiacomo is an Assistant Professor at Trinity University's Department of Speech and Drama, producing artistic director of AtticRep in San Antonio and is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC).  His roster of directing credits includes King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Marisol, How I Learned to Drive, One for the Road and Fat Pig, as well as several original works.  Following Julius Caesar, Roberto will travel to Italy for a community-based project, direct Guys and Dolls for Trinity University and Back of the Throat for AtticRep.   

New Theatre's third and final production of the Shakespeare & Friends Festival is George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan, adapted and directed by Patrick Flick, opening on August 16. New Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of the Shakespeare & Friends Festival by The Funding Arts Network, Bresaro Suites and Catering by Lovables. 

Under the artistic direction of Ricky J. Martinez, New Theatre's 2007-2008 season remains true to its mission to provide a forum for new works by American playwrights, often making their world premiere at the innovative theatre.  The main season schedule, beginning on September 27, introduces four world premieres:  Likeness by David Caudle, For Better… by Eric Coble, Fill Our Mouths by Lauren Feldman and The Mission by Jules Tasca.  A final production, scheduled to begin on April 3, 2008, will be announced soon.  

Performances of Julius Caesar take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 1 pm.

Tickets for the Preview on Thursday, July 12 are $20; the Pre-Opening on Friday, July 13, with a 7 pm pre-show reception courtesy of Catering by Lovables, priced at $55 each.  Tickets for all other performances are $40 each. Student Rush tickets (1/2 hr. prior to curtain) are $15 at the door for those under 25 with a student ID, upon availability.   

The most economical way to enjoy New Theatre's 2007-2008 season is through the purchase of a Flexible Season Pass for $280, allowing for later selection of show dates and a savings off the single ticket price.   Other flexible season packages are available.   For tickets and further information, please call (305) 443-5909 or visit www.new-theatre.org.

The Artists

Julius Caesar                                       Larry Robinson

Marcus Antonius                                   Christopher Vicchiollo*

Marcus Brutus                                      James Randolph*

Cassius                                                            Cassius

Casca, Messala                                                David Perez Ribada

Calphurnia, Popilius, Cinna The Poet     Barbara Sloan*

Portia, Artemidorus, Pindarus                Annemarie Rajala*

Octavius, Marullus, Ligarius                  Frank Rodriguez*

Lucius                                                  Matthew Leddy+

Flavius, Decius Brutus, Volumnius        Meshaun L. Arnold

Second Commoner, Cinna, Titinius        Ricky Waugh+

Seneca, Soothsayer, Lepidus, Strato     Steve Gladstone*

Varius Crowd, Servants, Soldiers          Ryan Capiro+

 

Set Designer:               Sean McClelland
Costume Designer:      K. Blair Brown
Sound Designer:          M. Anthony Reimer
Lighting Designer:       Patrick Tennent
Fight Choreographer: John Manzelli*
Movement:                   Ricky J. Martinez*
Voice:                          Jennifer Smith-De Castroverde
Set Construction:        TLC Events Group
Stage Manager:           Betsy Paull-Rick*
Assistant Stage Manager: Michael Heitzler

* Member of Actors' Equity Association
+ Member of New Theatre Apprentice Program 

New Theatre

4120 Laguna Street, Coral Gables, Florida 33146

Box Office:            (305) 443-5909

www.new-theatre.org

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