Cymbeline Opens May 24

Iowa City — "Fourth Room Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s supernatural fairy tale, Cymbeline, at a beautiful outdoor estate (901 Melrose Ave.) on May 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and June 1 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are FREE.

The event takes place on a spacious tree-enclosed lawn near Kinnick Stadium and audiences are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics/small coolers to enjoy the experience. To help us handle parking and to adequately prepare and keep you informed of changes/rain cancellations, please make a reservation by calling 319-541-0038 or by email at info@fourthroomtheatre.com stating your preferred date, number in your group and number of vehicles in your party.

ABOUT THE PLAY
Based on legends about early Celtic kings, Cymbeline is one of Shakespeare’s most magical and fantastical plays. Familiar Shakespearean themes and nods to prior works fold into an otherwordly fable about a bold and resourceful princess, her secret marriage to a handsome, complicated young man of lesser birth, a wicked queen, a bewitched king, a bratty prince, an Iago-like villain, rugged mountaineers with secret identities, and various other enchanting characters, including the god Jupiter, ghosts and apparitions.

Lesser known of the Bard’s works, Cymbeline has enjoyed renewed visibility and praise in lauded productions at Shakespeare companies around the country and overseas. From the clash of swords, staffs and shields to the haunting notes of what is often regarded as some of Shakespeare’s finest poetry, Cymbeline promises to be a lovely evening under the sun and stars.

Angie Toomsen directs, with fight direction by K. Michael Moore and assistant direction by Joseph Anderson.

The cast includes Ottavia De Luca (Imogen), K. Michael Moore (Posthumus), Mark McCusker (Cymbeline), Avonique Tipsword (Queen), Matthew James (Iachimo), Krista Neumann (Jupiter), Kehry Anson Lane (Guiderius), Rip Russell (Belarius), James Trainor (Arviragus), Josh Sazon (Caius Lucius), Logan Natvig (Cloten), Becca Anne Anderson (Pisanio), Joseph Anderson (Lord), with Roxy Running, Annmarie Steffes, Kelly Garrett, and Jorie Slodki as the supernaturals.

Cymbeline is the first production in Fourth Room Theatre’s FREE SUMMER THEATER initiative and was made possible by the generosity of friends, family and community during a spring campaign. Fourth Room plans to provide complementary educational opportunities and a free event like this one every summer.

ABOUT THE EVENT
Check www.fourthroomtheatre.com for up-to-date information about rain cancellations, parking and directions, tips to have a great time and more. Audiences should arrive between 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. at the latest to park and find assistance with seating. An attendant at the driveway will help direct parking to a designated spot.

Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, extra outerwear if needed, and picnics/small coolers to enjoy and to customize the experience. Water will be available for sale at the box office. This play is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

ABOUT FOURTH ROOM
Fourth Room Theatre is a collaboration of theater artists who share a strong dual commitment to personal growth as artists and to community building through theater. In addition to successful past productions, Fourth Room offers Shakespeare and other theatrical workshops and hosts a theatre meetup on Meetup.com. Core members include Ottavia De Luca, Rachel Korach Howell, Matthew James, Kehry Anson Lane, K. Michael Moore and Angie Toomsen."

(Source: Fourth Room Newsletter)