Theater News

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Finds Its Boston Cast

Lyric Stage Company and Actors’ Shakespeare Project coproduce the classic comedy this spring.

Samantha Richert will play Olivia in the Lyric Stage and Actors' Shakespeare Project coproduction of Twelfth Night.
Samantha Richert will play Olivia in the Lyric Stage and Actors' Shakespeare Project coproduction of Twelfth Night.
(© photo provided by Lyric Stage Company of Boston)

Casting has been announced for Lyric Stage and Actors' Shakespeare Project coproduction of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, running March 29-April 28.

Directed by Paula Plum, the cast will feature Rachel Belleman (Feste), Dominic Carter (Sebastian), Jennie Israel (Maria/Officer), Samantha Richert (Olivia), Alejandro Simoes (Orsino/Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Richard Snee (Malvolio/Sea Captain/Priest), Hayley Spivey (Viola), Bobbie Steinbach ( Sir Toby Belch), and Michael Forden Walker (Antonio/Fabian/Valentine).

The creative team includes Jenna McFarland Lord (scenic design), Chelsea Kerl (costume design), Deb Sullivan (lighting design), David Wilson (sound design), Lindsey McWhorter (movement/violence design), Cesara Walters (props artisan), Diane McLean (production stage manager), and Betsy Pierce (assistant stage manager).

As described by press materials, "Twelfth Night is a tale of unrequited love — hilarious and heartbreaking. Twins are separated during a shipwreck and are forced to fend for themselves in a strange land. The first twin, Viola, falls in love with Orsino, who dotes on Olivia, who falls for Viola but is idolized by Malvolio. Enter Sebastian, who is the spitting image of his twin sister… is it possible for this to all end well? Well, it is a comedy!"