Magik Theatre Sponsors MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, TWELFTH NIGHT, COMPLETE WORKS (ABRIDGED) at Renaissance on the River, November 10 - 20, 2016
The Magik Theatre brings Shakespeare back to the Arneson River Theatre, this year offering Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night on consecutive weekends. Magik is also partnering with Renaissance on the River producers Henry Garcia and David Morgan who will bring the Elizabethan fair back to La Villita November 18-20 to coincide with Twelfth Night.
The first Shakespeare production will be Much Ado About Nothing, given on Thursday, November 10; Saturday, November 12; and Sunday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. (no performance Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11). The production comes to the Arneson direct from a run at theNorthwest Vista College Outdoor Amphitheater and features a mix of professional and student actors. “We’ve got actors who have graduated from some of the most respected theatre programs in the country,” said Mellissa Marlowe, Northwest Vista’s Drama Department Program Coordinator who will helm the production as its director. “We are delighted to be partnering with The Magik Theatre to give our student actors a professional experience before they even graduate.”
The following weekend The Magik Theatre presents the award-winning Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre and their production of Twelfth Night, performing on Thursday, November 17; Friday, November 18; and Saturday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. Arkansas Shakespeare garnered rave reviews and enjoyed sold-out performances with this unique one-hour adaptation of Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy directed by Chad Bradford. “Their take on this beloved comedy is very family-friendly, making it a great fit for Magik’s mission,” said Magik Managing Artistic Director Frances Limoncelli. “It’s the perfect way to introduce your kids to Shakespeare.”
Magik’s CEO Frank Villani has been an instrumental part of providing San Antonians with free Shakespeare for many years. “Thanks to the generous support of the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts and the Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation, Magik for the first time is able to not only showcase professional local talent, but bring in an award-winning national company to offer two different productions,” said Villani.
Renaissance on the River will kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18 and will continue from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20. Renaissance King Kevin Wolff will preside over this second annual festival which will be full of entertainment for all ages, including magicians, jugglers, fire-eaters, swordsmen, singers, dancers, games, battle reenactments, and a children’s area.
On Sunday when there is no Twelfth Night performance, The Company Theatre will present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) at 7:30.
Admission is free. Donations accepted with a portion of proceeds benefiting The Magik Theatre. Food and drink will be available for purchase. For information about Shakespeare in the Park call (210) 227-2751 or www.MagikTheatre.org. For Renaissance on the River information visit www.renontheriver.com.
Much Ado About Nothing cast and crew: guest artists Meredith Bell Alvarez (Beatrice), Ty Mylnar (Benedick), Grace Lamberson (Hero), Nathan Thurman (Don Pedro), Alex Heoffler (Don John), Salvador Valadez (Leonato), Angela Heoffler (Antonia), Todd Deaver (Dogberry), student actors Tim Chrisman (Claudio), Ronald Lemos (Borachio), Connor Burton (Conrade/Friar), Maverick Saenz (Verges), Sarah Ross (Margaret), Tessa Matiella (Ursula), Brian Tracy (Messenger/Sexton), Taurus Jackson (Watch 1), and Max Molak (Watch 2), direction and costume design by Mellissa Marlowe, scenic, lighting, and sound design by Todd Deaver and Ty Mylnar.
Twelfth Night cast and crew: Malcolm Tucker (Feste), Sharon Combs (Olivia), Emily Wold (Viola), LaDarius Jamerson (Duke Orsino), Daniel DeYoung (Malvolio), Garrett T. Houston (Sir Andrew), Alexander Udochi (Antonio), Geneva Galloway (Maria), Harrison Trigg (Sebastian), Jordy Neill (Sir Toby), directed by Chad Cradford, original music composed by Matthew Duncan and Chad Bradford, scenic design by Rick Reeves, costume design by Matthew Peoples, stage management by Colin Fowler.
About The Magik Theatre
The Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s professional family theatre. Founded in 1994, the theatre has presented more than 160 mainstage and touring productions to over 2 million children and their families. The Magik Theatre’s mission is to nurture young people’s love and understanding of theatre and literature by providing extraordinary, affordable, and professional theatre and arts education experiences. The Magik Theatre enhances the lives of children with disabilities and at-risk youth through its community accessibility, education, and outreach programs. The Magik Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit magiktheatre.org.
