'The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' Opens Friday at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

ORLANDO, Fla. - Jan. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- WHAT
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I and II

By David Edgar
Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens
Produced in Collaboration with Theatre UCF
Co-directed by Jim Helsinger and Christopher Niess

SUMMARY
A cast of 27 actors plays over 150 characters in this exhilarating two-part comic masterpiece that captures Dickens' genius for combining exuberant characters, theatrical spectacle, and captivating emotion. Winner of both the Tony Award ® for Best Play and The Olivier Award for Play of the Year, this epic event has never been produced in Central Florida.

WHEN
Parts I and II play in rotating repertory from January 22 - March 9, 2014
Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

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

CAST
Nicholas Nickleby.......................John P. Keller*
Kate Nickleby.............................Alison McLemore*
Mrs. Nickleby and others...........  Jean Tafler*
Ralph Nickleby and others.........  Greg Thornton*
Newman Noggs and others........  Steven Lane*
Smike (Apothecary)/Croupier..... Stephen James Anthony*
Mr. Squeers and others.............. Richard B. Watson*
Mrs. Squeers and others............  Anne Hering*
Mr. Snawley and others.............  Philip Nolen*
Mr. Curdle and others................  Joe Reed*
Miss La Creevy and others......... Morgan Russell
John Browdie and others............ Alexander Mrazek
Walter Bray and others............... J.D. Sutton*
Miss Knag and others................. Tara Snyder
Fanny and others....................... Anna Carol
Ned Cherryble and others..........  Jeff Nathan*
Master Crummles and others....   Ryan M. Skiles
Mr. Bane and others...................Quentin Earl Darrington*
Snawley Junior and others......... Liz Mignacca
Snawley Senior and others........  Olivia Grace Murphy
Mr. Snobb and others................. Seth Wallen
Mr. Lenville and others............... A. Ross Neal
Alphonse and others.................. Anachebe Asomugha
Percy Crummles and others....... Jeffrey Todd Parrott
Miss Snevelicci and others.........Sophie Bell
Miss Ledrook and others............ Bridgette Hoover

PRODUCTION TEAM
Directors....................................Jim Helsinger, Christopher Niess
Vocal Coach……………………..Kate Ingram
Set Designer...............................Bert Scott**
Costume Designer ....................  Jack A. Smith
Lighting Designer.......................  Kevin Griffin
Sound Designer.......................... Britt Sandusky
Composer...................................Phillip Ingle
Stage Manager........................... Stacy Renee Norwood*
Assistant Stage Manager………   George Hamrah*
Production Assistants…………..   Micah Crosby, Paige Gober, Rachel Morris, Grace Richardson, Jessica Wolford

*Denotes a Member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
**Denotes a Member of United Scenic Artists (USA)

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS
Preview Dates: January 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m. (Part I); January 29 & 30 at 7:30 p.m. (Part II)
Opening Date: January 24 at 7:30 p.m. (Part I); January 31 at 7:30 p.m. (Part II)
Senior Matinees: February 5 at 2 p.m. (Part I); February 26 at 2 p.m. (Part II)
$20 Under 30: February 7 at 7:30 p.m. (Part I); February 14 at 7:30 p.m. (Part II)

MARATHON DATES AND PACKAGES
Ambitious theatergoers are invited to see both Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I & II on the same day. Select marathon dates include February 1, 15, & 22 and March 1, 8, & 9 (Part I at 2 p.m. and Part II at 7:30 p.m.). Dinner packages are available for either a Victorian dinner at White Wolf Cafe or a Panera Bread Company boxed meal at the Theater between shows. Hotel packages are also available for overnight stay within walking distance of the Theater at Comfort Suites Downtown Orlando. For more information about packages, visit http://orlandoshakes.org/nickleby/#packages or contact the Audience Development Coordinator at (407) 447-1700. (Packages start at $110 and are subject to availability. The Box Office will contact you once the reservation has been made to determine performance dates and seating choice.)

PRE-SHOW CHAT
Join us in the Patron’s Room on January 24 (Part I) and January 31 (Part II) at 6:45 p.m. for a brief, informative discussion with the director and members of the artistic team about the creative process.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY
After the show, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 10:30 p.m.) on January 24 (Part I) and January 31 (Part II) and everyone is invited. No RSVP necessary. Light hors d'oeuvres provided by CRAVE (http://www.craveamerica.com/).

THURSDAY TALK BACK
Stay after the performance on Thursday, February 13 (Part I) and Thursday, February 20 (Part II) for an informal Q & A with the cast and members of the design team.

DISCOUNTS
Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+
Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

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

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I & II is sponsored by UCF Office of the President, UCF Arts & Humanities, and Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s Special 25th Anniversary Donors. This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts.Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture

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