The Rice production sets Shakespeare's famous romantic romp in 1840s Texas, filled with dashing cavalry, comedic cowboys, and women who "speak poniards and every word word stabs." The play offers a tale of two courtships: Benedict and Beatrice lead the audience in a whirlwind of wit and pride, while Claudio and Hero dazzle in their innocent romance. Despite the title, this comedy is filled with gossip, masquerade, a dastardly villain, honor, desire, and passionate love.
Amelia Fischer is the guest director of the show. As an actor, Fischer has held a large number of leading roles in the Houston Shakespeare Festival and at a variety regional theaters, including Houston's own Classical Theatre Company. She has taught at the Tennessee Shakespeare Company and the Alley Theatre. Fischer's most recent accomplishments include voice acting as a role Jibril in the anime "No Game No Life," and as Helen in the production of "The Speckled Band: An Adventure of Sherlock Holmes," where she also served as fight director.
Rice seniors Logan Crowl and Juan Cruz are set designers for the show. Crowl and Cruz will be working under the mentorship of Mark Krouskop, Rice Theatre Program lecturer and production manager. Heather Breikjern, lecturer and costume shop manager, will be designing costumes. Breikjern was recently assistant costume shop manager at the Alley Theatre and has also taught at Santa Fe Opera, Goodspeed Musical Theatre, and North Carolina School of the Arts.
- Playwright or Author: William Shakespeare
- Directed By: Amelia Fischer
- Costume Designer: Heather Breikjern
- Set Designer: Juan Sebastian Cruz and Logal Crowl
- Lighting Designer: Dustin Tannahill
- Opening Date: Friday, October 2, 2015
- Closing Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015
- Performance Location: Hamman Hall
- Image Credit: Pin Lim
Performance Images
