Theatre and Dance at Wayne to Stage LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST at Hilberry Theatre

As Detroit and Wayne State University gear up to host the touring First Folio of Shakespeare's works at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Public Library, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance will celebrate the Bard's enduring work with LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST at the Hilberry Theatre. Join the excitement as a group of merry young men vow to maintain chastity as they focus on their studies. However, when the beautiful Princess of France and her ladies arrive, the men have trouble keeping their oath.

Performances will kick off with a masquerade ball opening night party on Friday, January 29th. Patrons are invited to participate in a festive celebration at the Hilberry Theatre, complete with photo booth, entertainment options, and encouraged formal dress. Additional performances will be seen on January 30, February 3-6, and then return for a final weekend March 10-12.

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST is directed by Michael J. Barnes, artistic director of the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance. Barnes found that the post-World War II Europe setting allows the Hilberry production to stress the importance of love and hope in the play.

"This is a play where the need for fame of knowledge is overcome by the need for the true, human contact that comes with falling in love. True knowledge is from being with others -- opening one's heart to them. In the end, the need to love can overcome a separation of distance if the desire is great enough," Barnes said.

Special activities centered on the Folio exhibition will include a K-12 teachers workshop focused on the First Folio, performances by Shakespeare in Detroit and the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, several panel discussions centered on aspects of Shakespeare's life, and other additional events. For specific details about the Folio events, visit the DIA's website at www.dia.org.

Performance dates and times are as follows:

Wednesday 2:00 p.m. (February 3)

Thursday 8:00 p.m. (February 4 and March 3)

Friday 8:00 p.m. (January 29, February 5 and March 4)

Saturday 2:00 p.m. (January 30 and March 5)

Saturday 8:00 p.m. (January 30, February 4, March 5)

Cast (in alphabetical order): Ernest Bentley of Detroit (King of Navarre), Wesley Cady (Katherine), Devri Chism (Rosaline), Logan Hart of Grosse Pointe (Moth), Kyle Mitchell Johnson (Holofernes), James Kern (Berowne), Antonia LaChe' (Jaquenetta), Michael Manocchio (Boyet), Cody Robison (Nathaniel), Mary Sansone (Maria), Nick Stockwell (Costard), Breayre Tender (Princess of France), Michael Phillip Thomas (Armado), Allen Wiseman of Roseville (Dull), and Brandon A. Wright (Longaville).

The production team includes Michael J. Barnes of Royal Oak (Director), Lyndee Hallahan of Lake Orion (Stage Manager), Ryan P. Jones (Assistant Stage Manager), Neal Warner of Trenton (Music Director), Stephanie Baugher of West Bloomfield (Scenic Designer), Sammi Geppert (Costume Designer), Mario Raymond (Lighting Designer), Amos Woodard (Sound Designer), Brian Dambacher of Detroit (Technical Director), Tonae Mitsuhashi (Properties Master), Thomas Libertiny of Farmington (Master Electrician), and Stephanie Slusser (Dramaturg).

To purchase tickets or for more information about the Hilberry, Bonstelle, Studio, or Allesee Dance theatres, call (313) 577-2972 or visit www.theatreanddance.wayne.edu.

Photo Credit: Chuk Nowak Photography