Elizabeth Rex

April 8, 2005 — April 23, 2005

Parish Theatre

DRAMA
Part history lesson and part theatrical insight, this fictional encounter between William Shakespeare and the formidable Queen Elizabeth I offers poignant reflections on grief, love, the nature of friendship, and the power of art. On a historic night in 1601 the Earl of Essex, the Queen’s ex-lover, has been imprisoned in the Tower of London for treason. Seeking distraction from his impending execution, the Queen summons Shakespeare’s theatre troupe to perform a play. Following a presentation of Much Ado About Nothing for the pained Queen, Shakespeare and company retire to the stables where they are visited by the monarch. A debate about love, art, life, and death ensues and lasts until dawn, when her former lover is to be executed.

CAST
William Shakespeare – RICHARD J. STEWARD
Edward Lowenscroft – DAN CARROLL
Jonathan Edmund – TREVOR STEFANICK
Matthew Welles – BRIAN PANSE
Percy Gower – ROBERT J. GRIFFIN
Henry Pearle – JOE SANDERS
Tom Travis – ROBERT DAVIDSON
Benjamin Herlie – DYLAN RUSTENHOLTZ
Luddy Beddoes – CRAIG W. SLOAN
Bear / Second Watch – JON A. KOTELES
Lord Robert Cecil, Private Secretary to the Queen – WILLIAM C. APPEL
Kate Tardwell – KIM GHEEN
Lady Mary Stanley, Maid of Honor to the Queen – MICHELE SOBOTA
Queen Elizabeth I – LISA MARIE DORGAN
Anne, Countess of Henslowe – MARY COLLIER-HORN
Amanda, a servant – AMBER HUNT
Stephanie, a servant – JENNIFER RILEY
James, a servant / First Watch – RAY DAVIDSON

CREW
Assistant Stage Manager – KIM CHANDLER

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director – ROBERT L. SMITH
Choreographer – ELIZABETH HUGHEY
Music Composed and Performed by – JOHN C. GRIFFIN
Scenic Designer – DAVID KYHN
Costume/Hair/Make-up Designer – ANNE GROSZ
Lighting/Sound Designer – KRISTEN CHESAK
Properties Designer – JAYME SUE SWISHER
Technical Director – PHILLIP A. MILLER
Stage Manager – DEB KILLARNEY
Production Manager – KRISTEN CHESAK

PERFORMANCE DATES
April 8 – April 23, 2005