Photo Flash: First Look at Ian Merrill Peakes and More in TIMON OF ATHENS at Folger Theatre

Folger Theatre concludes its very successful 25th anniversary season this spring with Shakespeare's gripping tragedy Timon of Athens. Directed by Robert Richmond (Othello, Henry V, Richard III), this rarely produced satire examining wealth, false friendships, and the abuse of generosity features Helen Hayes Award-winner Ian Merrill Peakes (Macbeth, Othello, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) in the title role. Timon of Athens is on stage now through June 11, 2017. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Timon is a wealthy and popular aristocrat with a propensity for being overly generous. Sparing no expense on lavish parties, expensive gifts, and charity, Timon unexpectedly loses his great fortune. When he seeks out those friends he has helped financially in the past to keep him from ruin, Timon discovers that they will not reciprocate.

Alongside Ian Merrill Peakes, the cast of Timon of Athens features Antoinette Robinson as Timon's trusted steward Flavius, Maboud Ebrahimzadeh as the Athenian soldier Alcibiades, Eric Hissom as the fierce cynic Apemantus, Sean Fri as Timon's most proud companion Sempronius, Louis Butelli as Timon's indebted friend Ventidius, Amanda Forstrom as Alcibiades' mistress Timandra, and Kathryn Tkel as Senator. The production also includes Aliyah Caldwell (Phrynia), John Floyd (Cupid), Andhy Mendez (Lucullus), and Michael Dix Thomas (Poet/Lucius).

The creative team for Timon of Athens includes scenic design by Tony Cisek (District Merchants, Julius Caesar), costume design by Mariah Hale (Sense and Sensibility, Richard III), and lighting design by Andrew F. Griffin (Othello, Henry V). The creative team also includes Matt Otto (sound design) and Francesca Talenti (projection design).

Tickets are available online at www.folger.edu/theatre or by calling the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077.

Photo Credit: Teresa Wood

Antoinette Robinson as Timon's assistant Flavius
The wealthy Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes, center) hosts another lavish dinner party at his home, attended by Ventidius (Louis Butelli, right side) and other notable friends
Dinner at the home of Timon. Pictured left to right: Michael Dix Thomas, Sean Fri, Kathryn Tkel, Ian Merrill Peakes (center, as Timon), Andhy Mendez, Louis Butelli, and Maboud Ebrahimzadeh (with Eric Hissom top left).
The friends of Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes) feast on his body in Shakespeare's gripping satire
Ian Merrill Peakes stars as wealthy philanthropist Timon
Cupid (John Floyd) and dancers Phrynia (Aliyah Caldwell, left) and Timandra (Amanda Forstrom) entertain Timon and his party guests
Guests of Timon enjoying themselves in Folger Theatre's production of Shakespeare's TIMON OF ATHENS
Flavius (Antoinette Robinson, left) meets with Lucius (Michael Dix Thomas, right) on behalf of Timon. Also pictured: John Floyd (with umbrella), Andhy Mendez, and Ian Merrill Peakes (top center).
Lucullus (Andhy Mendez, right) propositions the dutiful Flavius (Antoinette Robinson), with Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes) looking on.
Vendors demanding debts to be paid by Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes, center)
Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes, center standing) serves a surprise dish to his dinner guests (l to r: Andhy Mendez, Sean Fri, John Floyd, Kathryn Tkel, and Louis Butelli)
Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes) contemplates his lost fortune and friends
Armed bandits come upon Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes), alone in his cave
Banished Alcibiades (Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, left) confronts his old companion Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes) in Timon of Athens. Also pictured l to r: Amanda Forstrom, Aliyah Caldwell, Sean Fri (in mask), John Floyd (right)
Phrynia (Aliyah Caldwell, left) and Timandra (Amanda Forstrom) humor their bait, Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes)
Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes), alone with his thoughts, descending into madness
Philosopher Apemantus (Eric Hissom, top) addresses a lost Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes)
'Undone by goodness.' Timon (Ian Merrill Peakes) acknowledges the irony of discovering gold in his secluded cave