New Stage Presents SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

New Stage Theatre presents the romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love April 17-29, 2018. Curtain times and dates for performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are $30.00 with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, located inside the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center, charged by phone by calling the theatre at (601) 948-3531 or ordered online at www.newstagetheatre.com. Sponsored by the MS Arts Commission and the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation.

Based on the acclaimed seven time Oscar winning film, Shakespeare in Love is a romantic comedy set with young Shakespeare who has not yet become famous. Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer's block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Surrounded by familiar players, including Queen Elizabeth herself, backstage antics and mistaken identity collide with onstage dramas, Will and Viola's passionate, forbidden love affair goes on to inspire Shakespeare's masterpiece-the most romantic tragedy ever written. Recommended for ages 14 and older for sexual situations and mature themes related to blooming romance, theatrical ego, and mildly tortured artistic souls.

"It is exciting to bring the spectacle of Shakespeare in Love to our audience. Romance, mistaken identities, ruthless scheming, music, dance, comedy and backstage theatrics are all part of what makes it fun for both the audience and the performers," says New Stage Artistic Director Francine Reynolds. "It is entertainment that speaks to the power and glory of the theater and the brilliance of William Shakespeare. With a 16 member production team, and an astounding cast of 23, a majority of who are local area actors and New Stage Theatre favorites, this production is a tribute to our community of theatre artists and I am proud we are showcasing their talents for our audiences."

Playwright Lee Hall said, in an interview with The Telegraph, that Shakespeare in Love is about "love, loss, creativity, money, power, politics and slipping on banana skins. At its heart it's a comedy and, I hope, a good night out. You could be a professor of Shakespeare or never have seen a Shakespeare play in your life and understand it. It opens its arms to everybody."

The ensemble cast includes: Hunter Hoffman (Astoria, NY) as William Shakespeare, Betsy Helmer (New York, NY) as Viola de Lesseps, Drew Stark (Starkville) as Kit Marlowe, John Howell (Jackson) as Henslowe, John Maxwell (Jackson) as Fennyman, Ward Emling (Florence) as Tilney, David Moncrief (Jackson) as Peter, and Ali Dinkins (Jackson) as Queen Elizabeth. Additional cast members include: Larry Wells (Jackson), Cliff Bowen (Flora), Sharon Miles (Hattiesburg), Kyle Parker Daniels (Jackson), Evan McCarley (Jackson), Chris Roebuck (Ridgeland), Randall Bolden (Madison), Xerron Mingo (Jackson), Brianna Hill (Jackson), Jessica Debolt (Jackson), Cameron Pitre (Jackson), Michael Kinslow (Clinton), Jeff Raab (Astoria, NY), and Jennifer Smith (Clinton). Shakespeare in Love is directed by Francine Thomas Reynolds. Hoffman and Helmer appear through the courtesy of the Actors' Equity Association.

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