"One Man in his time plays many parts" As You Like It
The Iowa Shakespeare Experience has established an exciting tradition of featuring both legendary Iowa actors as well as discovering and showcasing talent relatively new to larger local stages!
Ours is always an intriguing mix of old and new favorites that never fails to entice!
Read below about the starry skies in store for this year...
ABOUT THE 2010 SHAKESPERIENCE CAST:
“Would you like to swing on a Star? Carry Moonbeams home in a Jar”?
Then get thee to the best night of summer- where we’ll be
"STARDUST!"
This summer at A Midsummer Night’s Dream Extravaganza,
it’s a "Stardust Melody" in every sense of the word!
In 2010, the ISE’s beloved John Zickefoose returns for his fourteenth Heinemann-Sandoval production, to command (as he inevitably does) the role of a most suave Prankster Puck! I say: Noel Coward in a Cape (or maybe that's Zero Mostel?...) - - if there ever was one! Backed by our own Lorenzo Sandoval as Theseus the Duke (host of the famous Pyramus and Thisbe play-within-a-play), you know these two will have great fun!
But then there is also the truly legendary Hollis Monroe, lauded state-wide radio personality and scholarly authority, one of the all-time great classicists - - - and a true legend of Iowa’s Shakespearean stage! You don’t need to worry: As Egeus, no way we would let this noted star of stage - - not to mention of opera - - -leave the boards without taking a song or two!
And then there are Oberon and Titania: a sizzling couple if there ever was one! And in this show: we truly "Dream a little dream!" The Oberon and Titania storyline will be simply amazing! Lorenzo's vision for this version of A Midsummer Night's Dream is a sensational one: the Fairy Kingdom storylilne will be told entirly in lyrical dance and ballet - gorgeous!
Matt Wiggins stole many a passionate heart in his romantic appearances with us last year- and he returns to our stage again this year in the role of the magestic, sexy and moody King Oberon.
And Queen Titinia? You simply will NOT want to miss our Titinia this year! Our own long-time choreographer Karina Barone comes out from behind stage as our featured Ballerina! Karina, an international dance star featured on South American television and in London with the likes of Boy George, is a stunningly lovely dancer who will create a Fairy Queen you simply will not take your eyes off of!
Not to mention our Fairy kingdom folk! The ISE is truly delighted to welcome to our stage a number of fine young dancers from our Metro's most prominent schools of dance: dancers from the prestigious Ballet Des Moines as well as from other fine dance schools will be featured as the members of the Fairy Kingdom!
Then of course, there are our wonderful young lovers! In 2010, The Iowa Shakespeare Experience follows our great tradition of showcasing new top acting talent to major Des Moines audiences. You will be captivated by our two young Actresses, rising stars from the marvelous theatre programs at Simpson (Tiffany Flory) and University of Iowa (Allison Hade.) When they swing into the occasional midnight melody with their suitors, (John Spinks and Joe Parrish, two quite popular actors who have cut a wide swath in the Des Moines theatre and music scenes) you will truly feel “Its De-loverly!”
And lets not forget Hippolyta, the Duke’s intended! In our star-spangled 2010 show, Shakespeare's soon-to-be Dutchess is played by Des Moines’ enchanting young chanteuse who is taking the Metro’s cabaret scene by storm. Yes, Heather MacLennan will return to her theatre roots for this one special show!
“Unforgettable” – and by the way, of course not just anyone could lovingly surround these fine talents, great voices - -and the rhythmical famous poetry of the Bard- - with live music and fresh original songs.
So for this show, the ISE is delighted to bring back Des Moines’ first lady of song, the iconic Tina Haase Findlay – headliner at literally each and every summer festival in the city! So how could the Shakesperience™ Fest have it otherwise!
THIS JUST IN: In intense competition, Tina was just selected to sing the National Anthem at the Des Moines' Symphony Fireworks Pops concert! Congratulations, Tina! And since before she sings, Tina's other work will be showcased, soon we will know how it feels to have the cause of the ISE announced before 300,000 people! Wow!
(Pssssst: Tina herself is bringing a surprise – watch for NIGHTLY guest appearances by two of the Metro’s most famous crooners, as the extraordinary Max Wellman and Fred Gazzo (he of Bally’s Las Vegas Big Band scene) take the stage!
2010 BACKSTAGE CREW AND LEADERSHIP:
Backstage, we have equally extraordinary talent!
Among the leaders of our terrific backstage crew are:
Executive Producers: Robin Heinemann and Lorenzo Sandoval
Artistic Director: Lorenzo Sandoval
Chief Administrative Officer: Robin Heinemann
Adaptation Playwright: Lorenzo Sandoval
Director: Lorenzo Sandoval
Technical Director: Robin Heinemann
Assistant to the Producers: Mitchell Nieland
Choreography: Karina Barone
Musical Director: Tina Haase Findlay
Songwriter: Tina Haase Findlay
Special Movement: Tiffany Flory
Costumes: Mel Ziegenfuss
Stage Manager: Abigail Kaufman
Assistant Stage Manager and Festival Manager: Ben Sheriden
House Manager: Elizabeth Cameron
Lights and Sound Design: Robin Heinemann and Jake Hines
Lights and Sound Technology: Jake Hines
Associate: Moira Nash
Goddess: Helen Van Dam
Special Guests: Roxie Copeland, Fred Gazzo, and Max Wellman
With special thanks to Radio Garage for sound design