IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2009

CONTACT: K.E. Schwab
724.738.2199

karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU's 'Cymbeline' features rock, romanticism themes

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Slippery Rock University's theatre department will combine rock and romanticism in its upcoming, six-production adaptation of Shakespeare's "Cymbeline," opening Oct. 16.

           David Skeele, professor of theatre directs the production. He describes the adaptation as a work that promises to enthrall audiences of all persuasions.

           "The action-packed production is driven by an energizing soundtrack," he said. "The play is an in-your-face adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's greatest works. This is a must-see production for Shakespeare enthusiasts and rock 'n roll fans alike."

            The cast includes theatre majors (except where noted) Dan Cummins from Pittsburgh, as Cymbeline; Zach Nading from East Brady, as Guiderius; Ethan Rochow from West Middlesex, as Posthumus; Nick Gligor from Sharon, as Cloten; Alex Hollock from Butler, as Arviragus; Alexis Stanford from Philadelphia, as the Queen; Lola Lewis, a theatre and art major from Manassas, Va., as Imogen; Erin Berger, a secondary education major and theatre major from Beaver, as Iachimo; Jenna Panza from Gibsonia, as Pisanio; Alex McGee from Shaler, as Jupiter; Adam Harry, an English literature major from Cleveland, Ohio, as Belarius; Jessica Kowach from Hopewell, as Cornelius; Megan Nye from Utica, as the Mother�s Ghost and Soothsayer; Nicholas Kochanov, a vocal performance major from North Huntingdon, as Cauis Lucius; Garret Dush from Brookville, as Philario, first captain and second brother; Kevin Moore from Aliquippa, as the Ghost of Sicilius Leonatus and the Frenchman; and Aniela Shaefer, an undeclared major from Greensburg, as the Gaoler and second lord.           

           The dance corps includes dance majors by hometown, Jessica Madden, Frederick, Md.; Emily Kennard, Centerville, Ohio; Ashley Orsino, Royersford; Hannah Labate, Grove City; Tayler Sady, Lilly; Ariel Stanton-Penket, Annapolis, Md.; and Amanda Tarr, Lower Burrell.

           Gordon Phetteplace, associate professor of theatre, is scenic and lighting designer; Michael Boone is technical director; and John Shumway, associate professor of art, is videographer.

           Maya Ogasawara, a theatre major from Saitama, Japan, is costume designer; Julie Akerly, a dance major from North East, is the choreographer; Ronnie Nocera, a theatre and Spanish major from New Castle, is sound designer; Krista Vogler, a theatre major from Hudson, N.H., is stage manager and properties mistress; and Heather Aldrich, a theatre major from Frederick, Md., and Melanie Chmura, a theatre major from New Castle, are assistant stage managers.

           The production, in Miller Auditorium, offers curtains at 8 p.m. except for the 2 p.m. Oct. 18 matinee. Tickets are $10 for the general public; $5 for SRU students and are available from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from the Miller Auditorium Box Office or by phone at 724.738.2645.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania�s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their live.