The War of the Roses Begins Performances
(photo provided by the production)
The War of the Roses begins performances tonight at California Shakespeare Theatre.
Adapted by Eric Ting and Philippa Kelly, The War of the Roses encompasses four of Shakespeare's history plays — Henry VI Parts 1, 2, 3, and Richard III. The production is described as follows: "Political unrest and power grabs clash to create one of Shakespeare's most monstrous monarchs, threatening the country with tyranny. When weak leadership and civil strife run rampant, what are the consequences? Who will take the throne? A fast-paced, far-ranging, vividly theatrical depiction of two powerful families — the Houses of Lancaster and York — and their decades-long fight for the English throne, close out this epic summer with this monumental event."
Featured in the cast are Aldo Billingslea, Aysan Celik, Lance Gardner, Catherine Luedtke, Sarita Ocón, Joseph Patrick O'Malley, Josh Pollock, Stacy Ross, Marie Sadd, Danny Scheie, and Jomar Tagatac. The ensemble includes Abdulrahim Harara, Justin Howard, and Iris Stone.
The creative team includes Nina Ball (scenic design), Anna R. Oliver (costume design), Jiyoun Chang (lighting design), Brendan Aanes (sound and media design), Byron Au Yong (composition and music direction), Erika Chong Shuch (choreography), and Dave Maier (fight direction). Jessica Berman is the vocal, text, and dialect coach. Charles M. Turner III is the stage manager and Cheryle Honerlah the assistant stage manager.
Performances continue through September 15.
