Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Unveils Cast

Shakespeare by the Sea will feature William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure July 6–9 and July 13–16 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater

Caroline Dopson and Alex Gomez will perform in Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival's Measure for Measure
Caroline Dopson and Alex Gomez will perform in Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s Measure for Measure.

Fans of the bard, rejoice! The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival has officially unveiled its cast for Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII and Shakespeare by the Palms III productions of Measure for Measure. The free, outdoor Shakespeare by the Sea returns July 6–9 and July 13–16 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Carlin Park; Shakespeare by the Palms follows at Commons Park Amphitheater in Royal Palm Beach July 20–23.

Shakespeare Festival veterans Darryl Willis Matthew Connor Paszkiet will hit the stage as the Duke and Lucio, respectively. The role of Isabella will be performed by newcomer Caroline Dopson. Additional newcomers include Alex Gomez as Angelo; Emma McAvoy as Juliet/Mariana; Patrick Price in the roles of Pompey Bum/Friar Thomas; Amy Coker as Provost; Kyler O’Brien as Claudio/Froth; Laurie Tanner as Mistress Overdone/Francesca; and Casey McNamaraas Elbow/ Barnardine. Rounding out the cast are returning performers Jeremy Wershoven as Escalus/Abhorson and Nat Calberg-Cona as Novice.

Measure for Measure opens with vice running rampant in the city. The Duke has set off on mysterious business, leaving the affairs of state to his trusted minister, Angelo, with instructions to enforce discipline as he sees fit. Angelo takes that enforcement to extremes and arrests young Claudio, leading Claudio’s friend Lucio to send for help in the form of Sister Isabella. When the price of Claudio’s freedom is not what Isabella is willing to pay, the Duke comes up with a plan to save Claudio while revealing Angelo’s hypocrisy.

Performances start at 8 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. with a 15-minute intermission. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring a beach chair, blanket, and picnic basket. Mr. Shrimp’s Food Truck will be on-site in Carlin Park and concessions will also be available at Commons Park. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

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