Lori E. Varlotta, PhD. President | California Lutheran University
Lori E. Varlotta, PhD. President | California Lutheran University
Kevin P. Kern will direct the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival’s production of Much Ado About Nothing from June 21 through July 7, 2024, at California Lutheran University.
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF., May 29, 2024 — The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company will present two of William Shakespeare’s most celebrated plays: "Romeo and Juliet" and "Much Ado About Nothing," as part of “The Season of Love” this summer. The comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" will open the 27th Annual Shakespeare Festival with performances from June 21 to July 7. Following this, "Romeo and Juliet" will be staged from July 12 to July 28. All performances are scheduled for Fridays through Sundays at 8 p.m.
This marks the first time since 2012 that the nonprofit professional theatre company affiliated with California Lutheran University has produced these two plays.
“After 12 years, the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company is bringing back two of Shakespeare’s most famous and romance-laden plays. One will have you laughing, and the other will leave you in tears,” said Michael J. Arndt, artistic director of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company and a founding member. “These timeless plays continue to delight audiences, even 400 years after they were first performed.”
"Much Ado About Nothing" is described as a highly physical comedic production that follows Beatrice and Benedick as they initially deny their love while battling each other. Directed by Kevin P. Kern, a longtime Kingsmen member and professor at the University of Mount Union in Ohio, the play features original music.
Kern has directed numerous productions for Kingsmen, including "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in 2019. Beatrice and Benedick are portrayed by Jane and Brett Elliott, a married couple who are both long-time members of Kingsmen.
The second production, "Romeo and Juliet," depicts the tragic love story between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet amidst their feuding families. Directed by Elizabeth Swain, an experienced Los Angeles- and New York-based actor and director who previously directed “The Two Noble Kinsmen” for Kingsmen in 2018, this version includes original dance scenes and action-filled sword fights.
Dane Oliver stars as Romeo; he is a Los Angeles-based actor and fight choreographer. Alessandra Manon takes on the role of Juliet; she is also based in Los Angeles but is making her debut with Kingsmen.
Kingsmen is contracted with the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), featuring eight AEA actors and two AEA stage managers this year. The company also includes acting apprentices recruited from advanced acting students nationwide as well as acting interns from Cal Lutheran.
All performances will take place on the Streeter Stage erected in Kingsmen Park on the Cal Lutheran campus located at 60 W. Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks. Grounds open at 5:30 p.m., with preshow entertainment beginning at 6:45 p.m. General admission tickets range from $15 to $25 and can be purchased online at bit.ly/2024ShakespeareFestival. Refreshments are available for purchase during events; picnic food can also be pre-ordered.
For additional information, visit kingsmenshakespeare.org
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About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University hosts over 3,400 undergraduate and graduate students from various countries representing diverse faiths. The faculty aims to foster open-minded leaders dedicated to service and justice within small class settings.
Media Contacts:
Mark A. Berry
Associate Vice President
Marketing & Communications
Michael J. Arndt
Artistic Director
Kingsmen Shakespeare Company
805-493-3184
arndt@callutheran.edu
Sarene Wallace
PR Consultant
805-816-5616
Sarene.Wallace1@gmail.com
Headshot photos: Link available upon request.
Rehearsal photos available upon request.
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