Orlando Shakespeare Theater Announces Remaining Titles In 2011-2012 Season

May 12, 2011 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s Artistic Director, Jim Helsinger, announced the final two plays of the Signature Series 2011-2012 Season. The regional premiere of GOD OF CARNAGE, Yasmina Reza’s 2009 Tony Award-Winning comedy of grownups behaving badly will run from October 12 – November 13, 2011 in the Goldman Theater. While the Orlando premiere of RED, John Logan’s electrifying new drama about artist Mark Rothko that won six 2010 Tony Awards including Best Play, will conclude the series.

“This season highlights what Orlando Shakes is known for: bringing new plays like RED and GOD OF CARNAGE to Orlando audiences, showcasing the region’s favorite actors in bold Shakespearean productions like ROMEO AND JULIET and CYMBELINE, and tackling hilarious contemporary comedies that are destined to become modern classics, like A TUNA CHRISTMAS,” Helsinger said.

The 2011-12 Season also features three Theater for Young Audience productions: a fun and interactive take on SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, a witty musical adaptation of MISS NELSON IS MISSING and the perennial favorite of bravery and selfless love, CHARLOTTE'S WEB.

Orlando Shakes continues its commitment to new works through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, which features readings and workshops with local and national playwrights throughout the year. Recent projects have included plays by Stephen Sachs, Lauren Gunderson, Steve Yockey and Mark Brown.

In addition to the nine plays of the subscription season, Helsinger also revealed that Orlando Shakes will present PB&J Theatre Factory’s SLEIGH, an Orlando favorite that received its premiere at the Garden Theatre (Winter Garden, FL) in 2009 and offers an alternative festive family outing during the holidays.

A Season Opening Gala, in conjunction with THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, will take place on September 11, 2011 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. The 2011-2012 Season is subject to change; additional information about the season, including creative team and casting, will be announced at a later date.

Single tickets for the 2011-2012 Season go on sale June 14, 2011. Season Flex Passes are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at 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.

ABOUT THE SEASON

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS | July 7 – August 7, 2011
Written by Maurice Berger | Goldman Theater
An interactive family adventure, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS tells the magical tale of a sweet girl who lives in the woods with a most unusual family – and of the Wicked Queen who will stop at nothing to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST | September 14 – October 9, 2011
By Oscar Wilde | Margeson Theater
A rousing escapade of romance, Oscar Wilde dishes up scathing social satire, effervescent wit, and high farce making this one of the most cherished plays in the English language. In a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, two charming bachelors lead double lives to woo the young ladies who have won their hearts.

GOD OF CARNAGE | October 12 – November 13, 2011
By Yasmina Reza | Goldman Theater
A civilized discussion over a playground fight becomes a finger-pointing, fur-flying, hilarious brawl between two couples in this savagely caustic comedy from Yasmina Reza (ART).  Currently being developed as a major motion picture, GOD OF CARNAGE stormed Broadway, nabbing the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play and earning knockout reviews.

PLAYFEST! THE HARRIETT LAKE FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS | November 3-6, 2011
An engaging, fast-paced weekend packed with world premiere plays, distinctive panels, lively parties and dynamic networking events. It is the perfect opportunity to converse with PlayFest artists, establish lasting connections and absorb groundbreaking new works.

MISS NELSON IS MISSING | October 20 – November 19, 2011
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing | Margeson Theater
Miss Nelson's rude and rowdy students are misbehaving AGAIN! But the students of Room 207 are in for a surprise when Miss Nelson is replaced by Viola Swamp, the scariest substitute teacher ever. Where did Miss Nelson go, and will she ever return?

A TUNA CHRISTMAS | November - December 30, 2011
By Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams | Margeson Theater
In this hilarious sequel to GREATER TUNA, the outrageously funny and much loved characters of Tuna, Texas, are back for Christmas. Join us for all the laughs as two talented men portray all 24 citizens of Texas' third smallest town, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.

SLEIGH | December 1 - 18, 2011 |
Presented by PB&J Theatre Factory | Goldman Theater
A young couple spends their first Christmas together, tackling holiday traditions with very different expectations. Two shopkeepers re-define rivalry as they coax customers away from their competitor. And three determined mail carriers fight the elements to make an important delivery.

ROMEO AND JULIET | January 25 – March 17, 2012
By William Shakespeare | Margeson Theater
Pure and passionate, tempestuous and true – the feverish intensity of youth explodes in the most enduring love story of all time. Shakespeare’s masterpiece has never been so captivating, or so dangerous, as in this stirring new production.

CYMBELINE | February 8 - March 18, 2012
By William Shakespeare | Margeson Theater
Shakespeare’s epic fairy tale is a sweeping adventure story of love, laughter, betrayal and redemption. After Princess Imogen is falsely accused of adultery, she bravely sets forth on a treacherous and miraculous journey to reclaim her place in society and reunite with her true love.

RED | March 21 – April 22, 2012
By John Logan | Goldman Theater
Hailed as "intense and exciting" by the The New York Times, RED took Broadway by storm with this electrifying drama about abstract expressionist Mark Rothko that spans the spectrum of human emotion. John Logan, the Oscar-nominated author of AVIATOR and GLADIATOR, won six Tony Awards for this smart, scintillating portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB | March 29 – April 29, 2012
By Joseph Robinette/Adapted from the book by E.B. White | Margeson Theater
Celebrate the true meaning of friendship with Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and all animals on the Zuckerman farm. When Wilbur learns of his ultimate fate at the butcher, Charlotte, a talented writer and loving friend, weaves a creative solution that ensures his place on the farm forever.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

WEBSITE: Please visit http://www.orlandoshakes.org for recent press releases, casting information, 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.

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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.