Spotlight on Familiar Faces: Returning Actors Shine at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 63rd season on TONIGHT (on June 17) and invites audiences to experience a lineup of timeless classics and compelling new works through October 5. Celebrating the return of beloved patrons, the Festival is equally thrilled to welcome back many esteemed members of the seasonal company.
Each of the Festival’s productions listed below not only showcases the performing talents of returning actors, directors, and artists, but also underscores the Festival’s commitment to nurturing a community of artists who grow and evolve alongside their audience.
Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
Festival Director of New Plays/Artistic Associate Derek Charles Livingston is directing Shakespeare’s final history play, Henry VIII, which is rarely produced and last at the Festival nearly 30 years ago. Last season, Topher Embrey charmed Festival patrons as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This year he leads Henry VIII in the title role, with Cassandra Bissell returning as Queen Katherine and Chris Mixon as Cardinal Wolsey. Other returning actors joining them on stage include: Evelyn Carol Case, Christopher Centinaro, Trent Dahlin, Darin F. Earl II, John Harrell, Geoffrey Kent, Marco Antonio Vega, Spencer Watson, Henry Woronicz, and Braedon Young.
The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare
Filled with contrast, one of Shakespeare’s later and lesser-known plays, The Winter’s Tale, balances themes of jealousy and love. Audiences will journey from conflict to reunion with returning actors Geoffrey Kent as Polixenes and Tracie Lane as Hermione. The cast also includes other familiar faces: Michael Doherty, Topher Embrey, John Harrell, Chris Mixon, Bailey Savage, Christopher Centinaro, and Kinsley Seegmiller.
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
After delivering a sparkling Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical in her Festival directorial debut last season, Valerie Rachelle returns to direct The Taming of the Shrew. Returning actors include: Chris Mixon as Baptista Minola, Blake Henri as Grumio, Cassandra Bissell as Tranio/Huntsman, Topher Embrey as Christopher Sly/Curtis, and Melinda Parrett as Josephina/Widow/Server. The cast also features returning actors John Harrell, Geoffrey Kent, and Christopher Centinaro.
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Beloved director Brad Carroll returns to direct Much Ado About Nothing. Returning actors bringing this romantic romp to life include Henry Woronicz as Leonato, Jimmy Nguyen as Claudio, Melinda Parrett as Beatrice, and Marco Antonio Vega as Don John. Additional familiar faces include: Ashley Aquino, Evelyn Carol Case, Trent Dahlin, Darin F. Earl II, Blake Henri, Matthew Wangemann, Spencer Watson, and Braedon Young.
The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow
Having played a clown in the Festival’s 2010 production of The 39 Steps, Aaron Galligan-Stierle is returning to the play, this time as the director. Audiences will laugh out loud with returning actors Michael Doherty as Clown #1, Tracie Lane as Annabella/Margaret/Pamela, and Bailey Savage as Clown #2.
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Festival veteran Melinda Pfundstein, Silent Sky features Katie Cunningham returning to the Festival to portray Henrietta Leavitt. Additional returning actors include Kat Lee as Margaret Leavitt and Sarah Shippobotham as Williamina Fleming.
The Mountaintop by Katori Hall
Cameron Knight is returning to direct The Mountaintop at the Festival, having directed The Tempest and Richard III in the past. Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., audience members watch as he confronts both his mortality and the future of his work. “It puts a human touch and human connection on the legend that is Martin Luther King Jr. and brings him back down to the people,” Knight said.
Tickets for Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, as well as The 39 Steps, Silent Sky and The Mountaintop can be found online at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.
