Actor Injured In Opening Night Performance Of "Romeo And Juliet"

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 28, 2012 - During Act 2 of the opening night performance of Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of "Romeo and Juliet", actor Johnny Lee Davenport (Lord Capulet) fell backstage and sustained injuries to his head. Mr. Davenport was taken to the hospital where he received stitches and was released later that evening.  Following a hold to arrange for medical attention, the show continued with Artistic Director Jim Helsinger stepping in to perform the role.

Jim Helsinger said Mr. Davenport will not attend this afternoon’s rehearsal for "Cymbeline", but does plan to return to perform the role of Lord Capulet in this evening’s performance of "Romeo and Juliet".  

The staff at Orlando Shakes would like to thank everyone who expressed concern and best wishes for Mr. Davenport. Special thanks to the opening night audience who showed immense support throughout the performance, giving the actors a rousing standing ovation.

Single tickets and Season Flex Passes are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org and in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

WHAT
Romeo and Juliet
Written By William Shakespeare
Directed by Thomas Ouellette

WHEN
January 25 – March 17, 2012

WHERE
Orlando Shakespeare Theater | Margeson Theater
Lowndes Shakespeare Center
812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

DATES AND PRICES
Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm - all seats $20, $28, $34
Friday and Saturday at 8pm – all seats $26, $32, $38
Sunday at 2pm – all seats $20, $28, $34

WEBSITE
Please visit http://www.orlandoshakes.org/pr for recent press releases, more information about the cast, and upcoming special events.

Please contact Melissa Mason, Director of Marketing at 407-447-1700 ext. 215 or melissam@orlandoshakes.org for further details or to arrange for individual interviews.

PHOTO CREDIT
Johnny Lee Davenport (Lord Capulet) and Stella Heath (Juliet) in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet, playing now through March 17, 2012.  Photo by Tony Firriolo.

# # #

Now celebrating its 23rd season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed Equity theaters producing bold professional theater in Central Florida. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director Shannon Lacek, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to achieve the highest standards, while preserving its artistic and cultural legacy. Through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new plays. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving over 25,000 young people, families, and schools annually.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11784231/1