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Young Shakespeare Brings Julius Caesar To Curtain Theatre

Updated: Friday, June 15 2012, 03:11 AM CDT
By Rob Faubion, AustinOnStage.com

Austin Shakespeare’s teen company, Young Shakespeare, will perform The Bard's version of the most famous assassination in history - Julius Caesar - at Richard Garriott’s replica of an Elizabethan theater, The Curtain Theater, on the banks of Lake Austin. 

Performances will run Thursdays thru Sundays at 8 p.m. from June 21 through July 1.

Written at the height of Shakespeare’s mastery, Julius Caesar focuses on the decision by the noble hero Brutus to stop a tyrant by assassinating a loyal friend - with tragic results for all involved including the Roman Republic. Young Shakespeare's teen cast brings to life the passion and tragedy of the most famous assassination in history, where violence and unchecked ambition collide in a world of blood and betrayal.

Now in its fourth year, the Young Shakespeare cast includes teens who have been in the company before and many who are new to the company, including John Austin from Westlake High School in the title role.  Austin Shakespeare actor Georgia McLeland will portray the hero, “Brutus,” along with program veterans Liam Dolan-Henderson as "Mark Antony," Kelsey Hockmuller as "Cassius” and Abi Trent as “Portia."  The 16 teens in the cast hail from Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and beyond, and all had to audition for the unique youth theatre program that demonstrates that Shakespeare wrote his plays to be performed in this style of theater.

For the first time, Austin Shakespeare Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella will direct the Young Shakespeare company.  The production features scenic design by Émilie Houssart, costume design by Catharine Gilbride and choreography by Toni Bravo.  Steve Cruz serves as percussion consultant with Justin Cox as props consultant.

“Shakespeare's unique retelling of the age old story continues to fascinate our young people today," Ciccolella said.  "The challenge of portraying true nobility and larger than life characters thrills our young cast.”

Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for students.  Tickets purchased online before June 15 are $12.50 for adults and Saturday night performances are "Toga Nights."

Richard Garrriott’s Curtain Theater is located at at 7400 Coldwater Canyon Drive, off City  Park Road near FM2222 and Loop360. 

 
(Photo by Bret Brookshire)
Young Shakespeare Brings Julius Caesar To Curtain Theatre