Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at the Cast of Orlando Shakespeare Theater's BLACKBERRY WINTER

Years of success, meticulous planning, and an eye for detail have in no way prepared Vivienne Avery for her mother's slide into the grip of dementia. Vivienne recounts memories of her aging mother and the difficult decisions regarding her care. Interwoven with these stories is an evolving, wondrous 21st century Alzheimer's creation myth-an origin story about a White Egret who tries to protect forest animals as they lose their memories to a blind, oblivious Mole. Blackberry Winter is a moving, occasionally humorous, and deeply human new work.

Blackberry Winter features Orlando Shakes audience favorite Suzanne O'Donnell as Vivienne. O'Donnell was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2015 production of Bad Dog. Other past credits include To Kill a Mockingbird, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Pluto, Othello and It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.

Also returning to Orlando Shakes is Mindy Anders as White Egret. Anders' past Orlando Shakes credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, Twelfth Night, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Kody Grassett joins the cast as Gray Mole. Grassett made his Orlando Shakes acting debut earlier this season in the Theater's production of West Side Story.

Making his Orlando Shakes directing debut is Michael Dove. Dove's past directing credits include the NNPN Rolling World Premiere of Steve Yockey's Pluto, Agnes Under the Big Top, Holly Down In Heaven (world premiere), Church, Mad Forest, Scorched, and Angels in America: Perestroika. He is also the Producing Artistic Director for Forum Theatre.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer VAndy Wood, Lighting Designer Amy Hadley, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, and Stage Manager George Hamrah.

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).