Julius Caesar at The Gingerbread Players

Gingerbread Players Bring an Immersive New Vision of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar to Forest Hills

Many people know the story of Julius Caesar, but the Gingerbread Players of Forest Hills, Queens, are taking William Shakespeare’s adaptation of one of history’s most famous events in a bold new direction. This immersive production explores the cycle of ambition, power, and violence—and our own role in it.

When Julius Caesar (Andrew Dinan) ignores a soothsayer’s (Farah Diaz-Tello) warning to “Beware the Ides of March,” his arrogance leaves him vulnerable to the machinations of the cunning Cassius (Tiffany McCue), the honorable Brutus (Martin Challinor), and their co-conspirators. Cassius and Brutus' fiery relationship is put to the test when their actions plunge Rome into turmoil, leading to a war against Caesar’s closest confidant, Mark Antony (John Galligan), whose powerful funeral oration turns the Roman people against the conspirators, and Caesar’s nephew and heir, Octavius (Gabby Fidis). As Antony and Octavius join forces, their uneasy alliance helps shape the battle for Rome’s future.

Set inside the historic St. Luke’s Church, this production brings the action into and around the audience. Actors in modern attire inspired by funeral dress interact with audience members, who become both observers and citizens of Rome. The result promises a Julius Caesar experience unlike any other.

“Friends, Romans, countrymen!” What is the price of ambition? What is the cost of inaction? Come see this production and find out.

Presented by the Gingerbread Players, Julius Caesar also stars Ted Birke, Melody Chan, Beverly Daros, Bart Definna, Mike Miller, Suzanne Schick, Lauren Snyder, Shelia Spencer, and Heather Violanti. The production is directed by William Frenzel.

There will be four performances at St. Luke’s Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills, Queens: Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 8, at 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 15, at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for seniors and are available at gingerbreadplayers.org.