directed by Clay Hopper
One of Shakespeare’s most loved classics comes to life in this fast-paced, wacky and whimsical production. Classic Repertory Company dives in headfirst, creating a piece with live music and a contemporary twist. The eight actors taking on multiple roles as the as the lines between worlds, characters, actors and audience begin to blur.
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” Love, in all its forms, is at the center of Shakespeare’s most magical play. In the forest outside of Athens, mishaps abound and hilarity ensues as young lovers, mischievous fairies and the forces of nature collide.”
90 minutes, suitable for grades 5 and up
“I connected with Helena in the sense that I wish I had more self esteem and confidence, and sometimes find myself doing things that other people want me to do for them, instead of doing what I want to do.” – 8th grader
“The actors had valuable comments about symbolism, portrayal of characters, and themes of the play. Students understand the action of the play much better by seeing it performed. They put it on the students to comment on how relevant Shakespeare is today– great interaction!” – Educator
“Their comedic sense and timing was spot on! The language was very understandable and they made the play modern without compromising the language.” -Educator
“Awesome way to encourage an appreciation of Shakespeare” -Educator
“I would love to see anything this company tackles!” -Educator
“Excellent timing, fun slapstick, great ensemble chemistry-visual gags and drums added a great level of understanding for the students. Well done!” -Educator
“This was outstanding; costumes, sound, actors all of it came together so beautifully. Our kids LOVED the performance.“ -Educator
Nick Chieffo makes his New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the 2018 – 2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. Nick is a recent graduate of Emerson College. He is most excited to share the transformative, unifying power of theatre with fellow humans and the like. Recent credits include: Cat’s Neck, West Side Story and Who Donut?
Tim Colee makes his New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the Spring 2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. He is a recent graduate of The University of West Florida where he received a Bachelors degree in Theatre and a minor in General Communications. Recent roles include Othello (Cassio), Twelfth Night (Sebastian), The Music Man (Marcellus Washburn) and A Christmas Carol (Ebenezer Scrooge). Tim is very excited to be joining the ensemble and bringing theatre and storytelling to the communities of New England.
Willa Eigo makes her New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the 2018-2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. Willa is a recent graduate of Boston University with a BFA in Acting. Recent credits include: Lindy in The Pledge (Brelby Theatre Co.), Kattrin in Mother Courage, and Caroline in I And You (Boston University). She is excited to get the chance to be a part of a touring company and bring theatre to a diverse range of audiences!
Riley Fox Hillyer makes his New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the 2018-2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. He is a recent graduate of Emerson College, originally hailing from Saint Augustine, Florida. Recent credits include NAVIGATING DEATH ANXIETY: a how-to guide! (Actor), Tiny Houses (Olek/Lars), Cabaret DAS (fox),and staging NOMI at the Cabinet of Curiosities Festival. He is also a proud member of the band pUbeRty kiDs. He is most excited about working with this company to bring theater to communities who don’t have much access to it.
Willow Lautenberg makes her New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the 2018-2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. Willow is a recent graduate of Emerson College with a B.F.A. in Theatre & Performance and a minor in writing. She is also a singer. Recent credits include: Shoemaker’s Elf in Shrek, The Musical (FPAC at BSU), La Donna in La Favola Del Figlio Cambiato (Festa di Teatro Eco Logico), Anna in Click (Emerson Stage), Elmire in Tartuffe (Emshakes), and Sveta in The Road of Life (World premier, MTS). Willow has created and performed two solo performances: Leave My Heart It’s Song, and What It Means To Be Free. Willow is most excited to give students an actively imaginative connection to classical texts through theatrical storytelling.
David Picariello makes his New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the 2018-2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. He graduated in 2017 from Salem State University 2017 with a BFA in Theatre Performance, and minors in both Film Studies and Dramatic Literature. He spent the summer after graduation with Speak About It, a performance-based education consent program that travels to high schools and colleges across the country. SSU credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster), The Seagull (Konstantin), and The Grapes of Wrath (Noah Joad). Other recent credits include Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Apollinaire Theatre Company) and William Morris Barfee in The 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (Theatre Company of Saugus). David is most excited to work with such a small and talented ensemble, bringing Shakespeare and classic literature to life. He currently lives in Wakefield, MA.
Jane Reagan makes her New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the 2018-2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. Jane is a recent graduate of Emerson College with a BFA in Acting. Recent credits include: Brazen (Cameron), Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Vivie), Caucasian Chalk Circle (Natella Abashvili), Richard III (Lord Rivers). She can’t wait to pack in the van at early hours of the morn and explore what theatre can be with students across New England.
Elena Toppo makes her New Repertory Theatre debut as a member of the 2018-2019 Classic Repertory Company tour. Elena is a recent graduate of Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Arts. She grew up watching theatre in Ashland, Oregon and has a soft spot for Shakespeare. Elena is excited to share her love of storytelling on this tour.
