Twelfth Night Plays MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre July 1-3

William Shakespeare's whimsical comedy, "Twelfth Night," is the season opener for Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre 2011 Summer Festival. Shakespeare '70, Mercer County's classical repertory company, sets the stage for a gender-bending romantic charade of seduction, deception, misplaced passions and other mischief Fridays, July 1 and 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, July 2 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, July 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road.

In this celebrated Shakespearean classic, apparently identical brother-sister twins are separated in a shipwreck only to arrive, independently, at the mythical place called Illyria. There the woman takes on the disguise of a boy, and the man finds himself the focus not only of the amorous advances of the woman who has fallen for his sister (in disguise), but also of a group of madcap rascals. Confusion reigns before lovers, twins, and fun-lovers all find happy endings. Says the show's director, Dr. Frank Erath, "Performed on Kelsey's wonderful open stage in the true spirit of the theater of Shakespeare, the show promises fun for all. By all means, bring the kids!" Erath, of Biddeford Pool, ME, is in his 42nd summer of Shakespeare, along with Assistant Director Janet Quartarone. Laura Hargreaves is the stage manager.

Starring in "Twelfth Night" are Emily West of Morrisville, Pa., as Viola; Heather Duncan of Aberdeen as Olivia; Madeline Patrick of Hamilton as Maria; Dan Keyser of Mahwah as Orsino; George Hartpence of New Hope, Pa., as Malvolio; Dale Simon of Flemington as Sir Toby Belch; Michael Krahel of Hillsborough as Sir Andrew Aguecheek; Kevin Lancaster of Cherry Hill as Fabian; Pat Albanesius of Hamilton as Feste; Andrew Timmes of Colonia as Sebastian; Jack Bathke of Hamilton as Antonio; Noah Houlihan of Bellmawr as Curio; and Pat Maley of Branchville as Valentine.

Erath notes that this production of "Twelfth Night" comes precisely 40 years after Shakespeare '70s' first presentation of the play in 1971. Prior to the performance on Saturday, July 9, Shakespeare '70 will hold a silent auction in the Kelsey Theatre lobby, featuring unique and affordable theater and Shakespeare-themed gifts, books and artwork. Proceeds help the not-for-profit company in its commitment to great theatrical works. Bidding starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets for "Twelfth Night" are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the theater.

Other shows in the Kelsey Summer Festival are: Rogers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma," presented by The Yardley Players July 15-July 24; "13 The Musical," presented by the Pennington Players July 29-Aug. 7; and "Forever Plaid," a musical homage to guy groups of the 1950's, Aug. 19-28. Special children's performances of "Camp Muckalucka" will be presented by Tom Stankus, known as the musical Pied Piper, on July 8 and 9.

Kelsey Theatre offers a discounted series package that includes all four full-length productions (not including "Camp Muckalucka") for more than 40% off regular ticket prices. For more information, visit the Kelsey website or call the Box Office.