10/29/2003

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU TO BECOME WINTER-WONDERLAND FOR SHAKESPEARE’S ‘TWELFTH NIGHT’

          SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University’s production ofShakespeare's comic masterwork “Twelfth Night” will transport the audience to the winter-wonderland of Illyria on the twelfth night of Christmas when it stages nine performances in a heated tent outside Miller Auditorium.

          Performances are planned for 8 p.m. Nov. 12-15 and Nov. 19-22 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16. Tickets are $5 general admission and $3 for students.

          The play involves mistaken identities, practical jokes, out-of-control revelry and overlapping love triangles. It is often called Shakespeare’s funniest and most festive comedies.

          The cast includes, Emily Watson of Slippery Rock in the role of Viola, and Jim Rudick of Mechanicsburg as her twin brother, Sebastian. Brett Hockenberry of Harrisville plays Sir Toby Belch, Chase Carlson of Meadville, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Tricia Colosimo of West Sunbury is Olivia, Jeff Feola of New Castle is Duke Orsino and Evan Endres of Ligonier is Malvolio.

Dr. David Skeele, SRU professor of theater, directs the show, and notes that due to renovations under way inside Miller Auditorium, the audience is urged to dress warm. Rebecca Morrice, assistant professor, is handling costume design, and Dr. Gordon Phetteplace, assistant professor of theater, is handling scenery and lighting design.

PN, PgN, WPN, S