Orlando Shakespeare Theater Produces Timely Contemporary Comedy, NATIVE GARDENS

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF presents Karen Zacarías' Native Gardens. Zacarías' new comedy tells the story of high-powered lawyer Pablo Del Valle and his wife Tania, a doctoral candidate, who are working toward the so-called American Dream. After purchasing a house next door to Frank and Virginia Butley, the neighborhood's old guard, the two couples find themselves in a heated dispute about their shared fence line. Native Gardens appears from January 3 - February 4, 2018 in the Goldman Theater. Tickets are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

Gardens and cultures clash, turning friendly neighbors into feuding enemies. A disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement where you're guaranteed no one comes out smelling like a rose.

"Native Gardens was an audience favorite from PlayFest 2016 and Orlando Shakes is proud to bring it back to the community as part of our 29th Season Signature Series," said Jim Helsinger, artistic director at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. "Not only is the play relevant and funny, but also playwright Karen Zacarías is the most-produced Latinx playwright and one of the most-produced female playwrights in the country."

Aléa Figueroa returns to Orlando Shakes to play Tania. Figueroa's past Orlando Shakes credits include Hamlet and All's Well That Ends Well.

Also returning to Orlando Shakes is Fredy Ruiz as Pablo. Ruiz recently made his Orlando Shakes debut in Man of La Mancha. Other credits include In the Heights (Greater Orlando Actors Theatre and Baggy Pants Theatre).

Orlando Shakes alum Kate Ingram joins the cast as Virginia. Past Orlando Shakes credits include A Little Night Music, Imaginary Invalid, Hamlet, and Henry V.

Another Orlando Shakes alum Michael Edwards appears as Frank. Edwards was last seen at Orlando Shakes in Chaps! A Jingle Jangle Christmas.

Director Cynthia White's past directing credits include Orlando Shakes' Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Dancing Lessons, the world premiere of Emma's Child, Woman in Mind, and The Voice of the Prairie at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. White currently serves as Director of New Play Development at Orlando Shakes.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Bert Scott, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, and Stage Manager George Hamrah.

This project is funded in part by the Orange County Government through the Arts and Cultural Affairs Program.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

Preview Dates: January 3 & 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Date: January 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: January 10; 17; 24; 31 at 2 p.m.

Talk Back Performance: January 21 at 2 p.m.

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat - Friday, January 5

Arrive at 6:15 p.m. to enjoy free light appetizers from a local eatery, followed by a brief, informative discussion about the creative process with the director and members of the creative team. Free to all opening night ticket holders. No RSVP necessary.

TICKET INFORMATION

PRICING

Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. - $25, $40, $50

Preview Performances and Senior Matinees - $13, $20, $25

DISCOUNTS (May not be combined with any other offers)

$25 Under 35 Week: Patrons 34 years old and under can purchase $15 tickets for evening and weekend matinee performances during the third week (January 17-21) of the production. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1 or purchase online with code word: 25UNDER35

Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+

Student Rush: $15 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID

Student and Active/Retired Military: $10 off single ticket prices w/ valid ID (Only available in Price Levels A and B)

Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakes has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed professional AEA theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout. "Hence the high quality of Orlando Shakespeare, a company that deserves to be far more widely known outside Florida." With ambitious, high-caliber productions like 2016's West Side Story, Love's Labour's Lost and 2014's Les Miserables and Henry V, the Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Orlando Shakes also offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community at large. For more information visit www.orlandoshakes.org.