FLORA & ULYSSES is Now Playing at Orlando REP

Orlando Repertory Theatre (Orlando REP) is proud to present Flora & Ulysses (January 29 - February 25, 2018). This production is presented by supporting sponsor KPMG.

Flora loves comic books, so it's no surprise when an unassuming squirrel named Ulysses gets sucked up in the vacuum cleaner and pops out as a superhero - who can fly - and write poetry. Doubting adults have lots to learn from Flora, Ulysses, and their new friend, William, as they navigate matters of the heart in this 2014 Newbery Medal-winning eccentric adventure from Kate DiCamillo, adapted for the stage by John Glore. Ms. DiCamillo is also the author of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Tale of Despereaux, and Because of Winn-Dixie.

"On the surface, this story is a fun and frolicking tale about a girl who befriends a squirrel with supernatural powers," says director Chris Armbrister. "However, the closer you look at this story the more you realize the depth of the message conveyed through its multiple themes of isolation, platonic love, courage, truth, and the age-old battle of Good vs. Evil. We see through their adventure how they each must dig deep into themselves (which is where our most vital virtues reside), and find the courage to stand up to the challenges they face, whether they are physical (a squirrel defending himself and his friends against a cat twice his size) or more emotional, as when Flora must stand up for truth and what she believes in."

Flora & Ulysses plays Saturdays and Sundays from January 29 through February 25, 2018 at 2pm and 5:30pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for students, seniors (55+), and members of the military with valid ID, and $15 for youth (ages 3 to 17).

Orlando REP also offers special performances of Flora & Ulysses. There is an ASL performance, translated by an American Sign Language Interpreter, on Monday, February 12 at 10:30am. Backstage Tours are offered on February 10 and 17 following the 5:30pm performance. Tickets are $5 per person and space is limited, so make sure you reserve your spot early in advance at the Box Office!

The cast features Christopher Armellino, Khristy Chamberlain, Greg Coleman, Melanie Farber, Katie Miesner, Julie Snyder, and Jonathan Speagle. Flora & Ulysses is directed Chris Armbrister, with scenic design by Joe C. Klug, costume design by Wes Jenkins, lighting design by Casey Price, sound design and original music composed by Anthony Narciso and Alyx Jacobs, props design by Tara Kromer, and stage management by Tiffany Lyn Meadows.

All performances of Flora & Ulysses take place at Orlando Repertory Theatre, located at 1001 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or at the Box Office. Please visit www.orlandorep.com or call 407-896-7365 for more information.

Photo credit: Michael Cairns