News From the Festival
The Festival Congratulates SUU CPVA Dean Shauna Mendini on Retirement
The Utah Shakespeare Festival congratulates Shauna Mendini on her retirement after thirty years at Southern Utah University and thanks her for her immeasurable support. Mendini served as the dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts at Southern Utah University for 14 years. She has been closely tied to the Festival through serving as dean.
Prior to that, Mendini was a faculty member and served as the Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance for eight years, and Director of Dance for nine. She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Festival.
“It’s one of those things that the arts chooses you . . . and you get hooked and it becomes a lifelong journey. I can’t imagine my life without the arts,” Mendini said.
To honor Mendini, the College of Performing and Visual Arts will host an event this Saturday, April 13 at noon. “Shindig for Shauna” will be a celebratory sendoff for the dean, with performances from Southern Utah University alumni and students. It will take place in the Randall L. Jones Theatre; admission is free and open to the public.
Meet Mendini
Mendini has always been, in some form, an educator in her professional career. After studying dance for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Mendini taught secondary school in Arizona before moving to Cedar City to work at SUU.
“I love to learn and I love to be around learners. There’s that energy the moment you come on the campus of any institution, a feeling of growth and knowledge, and you can’t get that anywhere else,” Mendini said. “I never wanted to ‘graduate’ from that.”
For Mendini, finding the opportunity to be an educator and administrator, and create resources and opportunities for the arts to grow and thrive has been a privilege.
“I’m so thankful to have a life in the arts because it’s so vital to who we are as humans,” Mendini said. “It’s critical to our civilization—to everything that we do.”
Mendini also danced with American Folk Ballet for nearly 28 years, a dance organization with strong ties to SUU. She is a recipient of SUU’s Distinguished Educator Award and Creative Publication Award.
Mendini’s Festival Memories
Because of Mendini’s love for the arts, she’s been a longtime patron and supporter of the Festival, participating as an active member of the audience for over 30 years.
“Many times I would watch students from our program performing with the Festival, and that was very exciting [for] our students [to] have the opportunity of having a professional theatre right on our campus,” Mendini said.
For Mendini, having “such a high standard of the profession” right in her backyard has been a treat.
“I love that the Festival produces great plays…that bring people together to discuss and grow,” Mendini said. “[The Festival] focuses on storytelling, and that storytelling of rich plays speaks to so many levels.”
Mendini on Retirement
The retiring dean is looking forward to having more time to spend with her family, but expresses that in her retirement, she will stay active in the arts.
“We aren’t moving from Cedar City, and I will continue to see our SUU students perform and go to the Festival productions,” Mendini said. “It’s very thrilling to watch professional theatre.”
Mendini is most excited for The Mountaintop and The 39 Steps this season.
“The idea of having a story focus right around the moment we lost Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and having those experiences told from an interperspective will be a really wonderful journey to be a part of,” Mendini expressed.
Ultimately, Mendini wishes to extend an invitation to art lovers like her to attend productions at the Festival this season.
“Everyone should come to the Festival and enjoy what’s offered by this organization, and I [encourage] our Cedar City community to take advantage of the [local discounts],” Mendini said. “These plays can be life changing.”
To accept Mendini’s invitation of immersing yourself in the arts, purchase tickets to the Festival’s 2024 season today.
New Artistic Director John DiAntonio Settles in at the Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival would like to congratulate John DiAntonio on his first 100 days as our new Artistic Director.
In September, DiAntonio was announced as the Festival’s Artistic Director after an extensive nation-wide search. To get to know DiAntonio, click here for our full-length introductory Q&A session.
Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr has noted that it’s been such a joy working alongside DiAntonio, and that his work with strategic planning and the Festival’s artistic vision has been inspiring.
“He is passionate about the art, Shakespeare, and the power theater has to connect communities,” Bahr said. “He has strongly articulated how Shakespeare provides the Festival our identity and the plays we produce provide relevance.”
Bahr is excited for Festival patrons and artists to get to know DiAntonio.
“When John starts to talk about the art, the room leans in and it suddenly goes electric,” Bahr said. “John bravely pushes the vision forward, celebrating the Festival’s legacy while working within the reality of the present.”
Enjoy DiAntonio’s personal update below:
Globe: How has your first 100 days been at the Festival?
John: It’s been an incredible adventure. I like to compare it to drinking from a firehose while going down a waterslide. From day one, I dove into the 2024 season preparations alongside the rest of the team. We’ve started 2025 season prep work, and launched into a new five-year strategic plan with the staff. I’ve attended board meetings, staff meetings, department meetings, endless meetings! I’m doing a lot of listening right now, building bonds and trust with the team.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the staff here. Our department heads have over 200 years of combined experience with the Festival, which is unheard of across the country. We have stellar collaborators who couldn’t be more invested in the Festival. Leadership transitions and starting a new job can be awkward at times, but it’s all gone quite smoothly as we navigate the subtle cultural shifts and get to know one another.
Like most theaters across the country right now, the Festival is facing some big challenges: budgetary limitations, post-pandemic audience shifts, and we’re an organization that’s seen a lot of transition over the last few years. But I absolutely love a challenge. The team is leaning into the big, important conversations about where we are headed as we look to the next 65 years of the Festival.
Globe: Have you and your family been able to start to feel a sense of community here, and if so, what have you been doing to integrate yourself into the community?
John: Yes! We have definitely felt integrated into the local community. The day after we moved in last fall (with neighbors who helped us unload our truck and brought us treats), we saw the sheep parade going down Main Street. We enjoyed trick-or-treating with our kids through our neighborhood. We were amazed by the spectacular holiday celebration with Santa arriving in a helicopter, touring houses filled with the lights and Christmas decor, and encouraging our boys to compete in the local coloring competition for holiday gifts.
Our two oldest kids have loved attending a unique local preschool where they’re being taught gymnastics and ninja skills while learning their letters and sounds. [My wife] Caitlin is in a great book group and we’ve gotten to know all the playgrounds in Cedar City, enjoy story times, and participate in sheep shearing adventures, as well as many small hikes that are great for families. I’ve been able to attend city, county, and school board meetings, and have begun the process of getting to know our local community leaders.
And not to mention the endless events at SUU. I held the Thor hammer for the Festival’s team at a fundraising competition just a couple weeks ago. We may have lost in the first round, but I’ve already begun my shoulder workout routine in preparation for next year’s competition! Last month I had the honor of being one of the judges for the Cedar City Star Search competition. I was blown away by the talent in this community. Last week we attended the Easter Egg hunt with helicopters dropping eggs in the park. My family and I love this place and can’t wait for the summer to begin!
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It’s not too early to purchase tickets! DiAntonio will also hit Festival stages this season, playing Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, alongside his wife, Caitlin Wise, who will be playing Kate.
“I couldn’t be more excited for the season that’s just around the corner. I cannot wait to get to know our seasonal staff as well as patrons on the green and in the lobbies,” DiAntonio said. “I want to hear their stories about the Festival and what this place means to them and their families.”
The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.
The season runs June 17 through October 5.
Meet the Cast: The Winter’s Tale
The Utah Shakespeare Festival announces the cast of The Winter’s Tale, directed by Carolyn Howarth. Filled with contrast, one of Shakespeare’s later and more lesser-known plays balances themes of jealousy and love.
This is the Festival’s sixth production of the play in its 63-year history. The Winter’s Tale was produced here in 1972, 1989, 1996, 2004, and 2011.
“There’s a myriad of themes in the play,” Howarth said. “For me, though, it’s all leading to the ending moments of rebirth and resurrection and reunion. In order for those things to happen, the characters have to believe and have hope and faith and believe in the reality of miracles.”
The lead cast is as follows:
Geoffrey Kent is returning to the Festival as Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale, Buckingham/Lord Chancellor in Henry VIII, and Vincentio/others in The Taming of the Shrew. He directed The Play That Goes Wrong last season and has been in the Festival’s productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, Shakespeare in Love, and more. Kent received a Henry Award for Excellence in Fight Direction. His teaching credits include University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, and Asolo Conservatory. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Tracie Lane is returning to the Festival as Hermione in The Winter’s Tale and Annabella/Margaret/Pamela in The 39 Steps. Previous roles at the Festival include Joan de Pucelle in Henry VI Part One and others in The Merchant of Venice, Boeing, Boeing, Measure for Measure, and Twelfth Night. Other credits include the Play On! Festival at Off-Broadway’s Classic Stage Company, The Three Musketeers at Asolo Rep, Venus in Fur at Orlando Shakes, and numerous roles at American Shakespeare Center and Houston Shakespeare Festival. She earned her MFA at The Juilliard School and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Trenell Mooring is debuting at the Festival as Paulina in The Winter’s Tale, Margaret in Henry VIII, and Phillipa/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew. She has been Belinda in Noises Off and Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing at Orlando Shakes, Salima in Ruined at GableStage, and more. Mooring received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Chauncy Thomas is debuting at the Festival as Leontes in The Winter’s Tale and Duke of Suffolk in Henry VIII. Other roles include those in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, A Raisin in the Sun at Bay Street Theatre, and As You Like It at Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Film credits include Madam Secretary and Run the World. Thomas received a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
The supporting cast is as follows:
Zac Barnaby is debuting at the Festival as Lord/Mariner/Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Other credits include Jason in Falsettos, Snoopy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Ricky Potts in Ride the Cyclone, and more at Southern Utah University. Barnaby is currently studying musical theatre at Southern Utah University and appears courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.
Christopher Centinaro is returning to the Festival as Florizel in The Winter’s Tale, Surveyor/Capuchius/Cranmer in Henry VIII, and Nicholas/others in The Taming of the Shrew. Previous roles at the Festival include Sempronius in Timon of Athens and Adrien in Coriolanus. Centinaro has also been in Mojada at the Indiana Shakespeare Festival and has received the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award.
Tom Coiner is making his debut at the Festival as Camillo in The Winter’s Tale and Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps. He has been in A Christmas Carol and Gaslight at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, The Daughter in Law at Mint Theatre Company, and God Said This at Primary Stages to name a few. Television credits include The Good Fight, Law and Order: SVU, and It’s Bruno. Coiner received an MFA from National Theatre Conservatory and a BA from Kenyon College. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Michael Doherty is returning to the Festival as Antigonus/Time in The Winter’s Tale and Clown #1 in The 39 Steps. Previous roles at the Festival include Mr. Green in Clue, Narrator in Every Brilliant Thing, Charlie Baker in The Foreigner, and more. He has also appeared Off-Broadway as Jimmy in Dublin by Lamplight and on television in Wu Tang: An American Saga. Other roles include productions at Guthrie Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Play House, and the Denver Center. He received a BFA in Theatre Arts from the University of the Arts and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Alaysia Renay Duncan is making her Festival debut as Perdita in The Winter’s Tale, Anne Bullen in Henry VIII, and Petra/others in The Taming of the Shrew. She has also been in productions of Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at Engeman Theater, Dorian Gray at The Tank*, Strange and Splendid* at Chain Theatre, and more. Duncan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Ithaca College.
Topher Embrey is returning to the Festival, this time as Shepherd’s Son/Officer in The Winter’s Tale, King Henry in Henry VIII, and Christopher Sly/Curtis in The Taming of the Shrew. Previous roles at the Festival include Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Bobo in A Raisin in the Sun. He has been in various productions Off-Broadway with Red Bull Theatre and has performed for five seasons at American Shakespeare Center, as well as Colorado Shakespeare Festival and Denver Center for the Performing Arts, to name a few. Embrey received a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from Christopher Newport University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Gracelyn Erickson is debuting at the Festival as Mopsa/Lady in The Winter’s Tale and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Acting credits include Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone and Shelby in The Prom at Southern Utah University. Other credits include the short film Cleo, and Erickson is currently studying musical theater at Southern Utah University. She is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.
John Harrell is returning to the Festival as Autolycus in The Winter’s Tale, Guilford/Cromwell in Henry VIII, and Hortensio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. Previous roles at the Festival include the productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, and Shakespeare In Love. He was also the title characters in Hamlet, Cyrano, Richard II, and more at the American Shakespeare Center. Harrell received a Bachelor of Arts in English from James Madison University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Rockwell MacGillivray is debuting at the Festival as Lord/Bear Puppeteer/Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Acting credits include Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret, Noel Gruber in Ride the Cyclone, and Trent Oliver in The Prom at Southern Utah University. Awards include first place in the Musical Theater Competitions of America and 2018 and 2021 winner in the Newcomer Swing National Ballroom Championship. MacGillivray is currently attending Southern Utah University and is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.
Chloe McLeod is debuting at the Festival as Dorcas/Lady in The Winter’s Tale, Lady in Waiting/Working Woman/Party Guest in Henry VIII, and Biondello/Huntsman/Server in The Taming of the Shrew. She has performed in The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Anna Karenina at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Fun Home at Miners Alley Playhouse, and more. McLeod trained at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Chris Mixon is returning to the Festival as Old Shepherd/Jailer in The Winter’s Tale, Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII, and Baptista Minola/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. Previous roles at the Festival include Dennis in The Play That Goes Wrong, Mr. Woodhouse in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, and Earl of Gloucester in King Lear. He’s been in the national Broadway tour of How to Succeed in Business Without Trying, world and NYC premieres at Pearl Theatre Company, and productions at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Bailey Savage is returning to Festival stages as Cleomenes/Rustic in The Winter’s Tale and Clown #2 in The 39 Steps. She was in the Festival’s Shakespeare in the Schools productions of Julius Caesar as Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet as Lord Capulet. Other credits include roles in Drunk Shakespeare Chicago, Twelfth Night at Midsommer Flight, and Peter and the Starcatcher at Lyric Repertory Company. Savage was Assistant Director for Guys and Dolls and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and served as Literary Seminar Manager at the Festival, and received a Bachelor of Independent Studies from Southern Utah University.
Kinsley Seegmiller is returning to the Festival as Mamillius in The Winter’s Tale. Last season, she played Young Martius in Coriolanus. She lives in Cedar City, is ten years old, and is going into fifth grade this fall; she is passionate about gymnastics and is on a competition team; loves to perform for others and aspires to be an actress. She loves vacations with family, seeing new places, having new experiences, and learning new things. She is excited for another opportunity to be a part of the Festival.
Emily Wheeler is debuting at the Festival as Lady/Puppeteer/Shepherdess in The Winter’s Tale and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Acting credits include Ocean in Ride the Cyclone and Angie in The Prom at Southern Utah University. She received the Larry Lott Scholarship Award for Best Actor in an Ensemble Scene in 2021. Wheeler is studying musical theater at Southern Utah University. She is appearing courtesy of the Southern Utah University Fellowship Program.
Caitlin Wise is debuting at the Festival as Emilia/Shepherdess in The Winter’s Tale and Kate/Lady in The Taming of the Shrew. She’s been in The Christians at Denver Center Performing Arts, The Importance of Being Earnest at Arvada Center, Wild Honey at Theatreworks, and more. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University and a Master of Fine Arts from National Theatre Conservatory. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Gabriel Wright is debuting at the Festival as Dion/Puppeteer/Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale. Acting credits include Southern Utah University mainstage productions of Twelfth Night and The Prom, as well as The Springville Players production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He is appearing courtesy of the Southern Utah University Fellowship Program.
It’s not too early to purchase tickets! The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.
The season runs June 17 through October 5.
Visit bard.org for more information about the play. Catch up here on our 10 Fun Facts about The Winter’s Tale. Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.
Meet the Cast: Henry VIII
The Festival is delighted to announce the cast of Henry VIII. This is only the third time this Shakespeare play has been produced here, the first being in 1974 and the most recent nearly thirty years ago, in 1995.
Director Derek Charles Livingston encourages patrons to take advantage of seeing this rarely-performed play. As the director, he is thrilled at the chance to tell Henry’s story.
“We think we know who Henry VIII was, but here’s a chance to see the alternative of it,” Livingston said. “I want people to leave saying, ‘Henry really pulled that off––he went through a crisis and emerged as his own person.’”
The lead cast is as follows:
Cassandra Bissell is returning to the Festival as Queen Katherine in Henry VIII and Tranio/Huntsman in The Taming of the Shrew. Previous roles at the Festival include Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, and Rosalind in As You Like It to name a few. She has also performed at Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and many more. Bissell received a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Chicago. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Topher Embrey is returning to the Festival, this time as King Henry in Henry VIII, Christopher Sly/Curtis in The Taming of the Shrew, and Shepherd’s Son/Officer in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Bobo in A Raisin in the Sun. He has been in various productions Off-Broadway with Red Bull Theatre and has performed for five seasons at American Shakespeare Center, as well as Colorado Shakespeare Festival and Denver Center for the Performing Arts, to name a few. Embrey received a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from Christopher Newport University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Chris Mixon is returning to the Festival as Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII, Baptista Minola/Player in The Taming of the Shrew, and Old Shepherd/Jailer in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Dennis in The Play That Goes Wrong, Mr. Woodhouse in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, and Earl of Gloucester in King Lear. He’s been in the national Broadway tour of How to Succeed in Business Without Trying, world and NYC premieres at Pearl Theatre Company, and productions at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
The supporting cast is as follows:
Evelyn Carol Case is returning to the Festival as Brandon/Patience/other in Henry VIII and Verges/Attendant in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Mrs. Bates/Ensemble in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical and Prince Escalus in Romeo and Juliet. She has appeared onstage with Prague Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Orange County, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, and ten seasons as a resident artist with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Christopher Centinaro is returning to the Festival as Surveyor/Capuchius/Cranmer in Henry VIII, Nicholas/others in The Taming of the Shrew, and Florizel in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Sempronius in Timon of Athens and Adrien in Coriolanus. Centinaro has also been in Mojada at the Indiana Shakespeare Festival and has received the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award.
Trent Dahlin is returning to the Festival as Wolsey’s Secretary/Gardiner in Henry VIII and Conrade/Candle Bearer in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous productions at the Festival include Pericles, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Twelfth Night, among others. Other roles include Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at Theatre Squared, Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility at Lyric Repertory Theatre, and more. Film credits include Mission Stories and American Prophet. Dahlin received his education at Southern Utah University and is an Equity Membership Candidate.
Alaysia Renay Duncan is making her Festival debut as Anne Bullen in Henry VIII, Petra/others in The Taming of the Shrew, and Perdita in The Winter’s Tale. She has also been in productions of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Engeman Theater, Dorian Gray at The Tank, Strange and Splendid at Chain Theatre, and more. Duncan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Ithaca College.
Darin F. Earl II is returning to the Festival as Sands/Campeius/Dr. Butts in Henry VIII and Soldier/Friar/First Watch in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Claudius/Ghost of Hamlet in Shakespeare in the Schools Hamlet Tour, Painter/Varro/Soldier in Timon of Athens, Sicinius Velutus/Roman Citizen/Soldier in Coriolanus, and more. Off Broadway productions include Ye Bear and Ye Cubb at 59E59 Theatres. Other acting credits include A Midwinter’s Night Dream at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Richard II at Luna Stage, and Love’s Labour’s Lost at Scranton Shakespeare Festival. Earl II boasts film credits including Hell House Origins and 825 Forest Road and received a Bachelor of Arts from Rider University.
John Harrell is returning to the Festival as Guilford/Cromwell in Henry VIII, Hortensio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew, and Autolycus in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include the 2017 productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, and Shakespeare In Love. He was also the title characters in Hamlet, Cyrano, Richard II, and more at the American Shakespeare Center. Harrell received a Bachelor of Arts in English from James Madison University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Geoffrey Kent is returning to the Festival as Buckingham/Lord Chancellor in Henry VIII, Vincentio/others in The Taming of the Shrew, and Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale. He directed The Play That Goes Wrong last season and has been in the Festival’s productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, Shakespeare in Love, and more. Kent received a Henry Award for Excellence in Fight Direction. His teaching credits include University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, and Asolo Conservatory. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Walter Kmiec is debuting at the Festival as Duke of Norfolk in Henry VIII and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing. Other roles include those at Orlando Shakes, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theater Company, and more. Film credits include The New Year, and Kmiec boasts teaching credits from Stetson University and Florida State University. He received a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Florida State University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Chloe McLeod is debuting at the Festival as Lady in Waiting/Working Woman/Party Guest in Henry VIII, Biondello/Huntsman/Server The Taming of the Shrew, and Dorcas/Lady in The Winter’s Tale. She has performed in The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Anna Karenina at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Fun Home at Miners Alley Playhouse, and more. McLeod trained at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Trenell Mooring is debuting at the Festival as Margaret in Henry VIII, Phillipa/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew, and Paulina in The Winter’s Tale. She has been Belinda in Noises Off and Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing at Orlando Shakes, Salima in Ruined at GableStage, and more. Mooring received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Dariana Elise Pérez is debuting at the Festival as Lady in Waiting/Working Woman/Party Guest in Henry VIII and Hero in Much Ado About Nothing. Other roles include those in Twelfth Night at Ten Thousand Things, Troilus and Cressida at Guthrie Dowling Studio, I Am Betty at History Theatre, and more. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Minnesota and is an Equity Membership candidate.
Chauncy Thomas is debuting at the Festival as Duke of Suffolk in Henry VIII and Leontes in The Winter’s Tale. Other roles include those in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, A Raisin in the Sun at Bay Street Theatre, and As You Like It at Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Film credits include Madam Secretary and Run the World. Thomas received a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Marco Antonio Vega is returning to the Festival as Surrey/Servant/Executioner in Henry VIII and Don John in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Narrator in the Every Brilliant Thing Tour, Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Paris in Romeo and Juliet, and more. Other theater credits include Puck in William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged) at The Reduced Shakespeare Company. He boasts teaching credits at Utah Tech University and Southern Utah University and was a Recipient of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Michael and Jan Finlayson Acting Award in 2017. Vega received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Utah University and a Master of Fine Arts from University of San Diego.
Patrick Vest is debuting at the Festival as Lovell in Henry VIII and Antonio in Much Ado About Nothing. Other roles include Iago in Othello at Nebraska Shakespeare, Macbeth at Shakespeare by the Sea, Major Arnold in Taking Sides at Rubicon Theatre, and many more. Vest received a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Spencer Watson is returning to the Festival as Monk/Guard/Party Guest/Anglican Priest in Henry VIII and Balthasar/Sexton/Messenger in Much Ado About Nothing. He was in last season’s production of The Greenshow. Other roles include Betty/Edward in Cloud 9, Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in Into the Woods, and Whizzer in Falsettos at Southern Utah University. Watson was also Brutus in Finding the Fickle Fortune and Smee in Peter Pan at Pickleville Playhouse. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from Southern Utah University.
Henry Woronicz is returning to the Festival as Lord Chamberlain in Henry VIII and Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Henry V, Macbeth, Richard III, and more. He also directed As You Like It, Taming of the Shrew, Coriolanus, among others. Broadway credits include Julius Caesar. Other credits include those from American Players Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and much more. Television credits include Seinfeld, Ally McBeal, Cheers, and more, while film credits include Primary Colors, Living Out Loud, and The Good Catholic. Woronicz was the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director and Executive Producer at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. He boasts teaching credits as Head of MFA Acting, Illinois State University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Braedon Young is returning to the Festival as Scribe/Messenger/Party Guest in Henry VIII and Soldier/Second Watch in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Abram in Romeo and Juliet, Robin Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and other roles in All’s Well That Ends Well and King Lear. Other theater credits include Georg in She Loves Me, Roger in Don’t Stop Me, Father in Paperboy, and more. Additional credits include multiple solo performances at Carnegie Hall and earning a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater at The Manhattan School of Music.
It’s not too early to purchase tickets! The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.
The season runs June 17 through October 5.
Visit here for more information about the play. Catch up here on our 10 Fun Facts about Henry VIII. Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.
Henry VIII: 10 Fun Facts
This rarely-performed play of Shakespeare’s welcomes our season’s first audience on June 17. Before sitting down in our open-air Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre and enjoying a night of theater under the stars, here are some facts to get you excited about the production.
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This play has been produced only twice at the Festival in its 63 year history. It was last produced nearly thirty years ago, in 1995, and 1974 before that. For our loyal patrons trying to “complete the cannon” by seeing every Shakespeare production, now is your chance!
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This is said to be a collaborative play. William Shakespeare wrote the play with John Fletcher, a successful English playwright for the Jacobean theater. Scholars observe that Fletcher’s role was probably small, as Shakespeare’s language is consistent throughout the play.
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Henry VIII was almost called All is True, as recorded in contemporary documents.
2024 Production Renderings: costume designs by Bill Black. -
The king during Shakespeare’s day, James I, was a direct descendent of the royal family in Henry VIII.
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It was said that during the first production presented at the Globe Theatre in 1613, a cannon set the thatched roof on fire and burned the playhouse to the ground. No people were harmed but it was said that one man’s pants that caught fire were put out using a bottle of ale.
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Although lesser-known to us, Henry VIII was often staged in England, performed as part of the festivities during a royal marriage. In 1953, it was staged for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Henry VIII famously had six wives in total, and his marriage to Anne Boleyn (spelled “Bullen” in the play) began the establishment of the Church of England.
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Queen Katherine was actually married to Henry VIII’s brother prior to marrying Henry, and she and Henry were married for 24 years before he divorced her to marry Anne Boleyn.
2024 Production Renderings: costume designs by Bill Black. -
The play covers 24 years of history––a massive feat––though it compresses the events as occurring over the course of only a year.
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The play is being directed by the Festival’s very own Director of New Plays, Derek Charles Livingston. Livingston also directed last season’s A Raisin in the Sun.
It’s not too early to purchase tickets! Visit here to purchase tickets and for more information about the play. Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.
Henry VIII Through the Years
This season is the Festival’s third production of Henry VIII in its 63 year history, the first being in 1974 and the most recent nearly 30 years ago, in 1995.
Enjoy these pictures from the previous two productions and purchase tickets for this year’s here.
Meet the Cast: Much Ado About Nothing
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce the cast for this season’s production of Much Ado About Nothing.
This is the Festival’s ninth production of Much Ado About Nothing, the first being in 1965 and the most recent in 2016. It will be the first time the Shakespeare comedy will be produced in the indoor Randall L. Jones Theatre.
Director Brad Carroll notes that Shakespeare’s comedy takes us on a romantic romp, brimming with hilarity, love, and wildly wicked wordplay contrasted with darker themes of deception, loss, and revenge.
“Much Ado About Nothing is really much ado about everything and discovering, when all is said and done, what is truly most important,” Carroll said.
The lead cast is as follows:
Walter Kmiec is debuting at the Festival as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Duke of Norfolk in Henry VIII. Other roles include those at Orlando Shakes, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theater Company, and more. Film credits include The New Year, and Kmiec boasts teaching credits at Stetson University and Florida State University. He received a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Florida State University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Rodney Lizcano is also debuting at the Festival as Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing and Gremio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. Other roles include those at The Denver Center, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Lizcano received a Master of Fine Arts from the National Theatre Conservatory and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Jimmy Nguyen is returning to the Festival as Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Featured Performer in Gold Mountain. Other roles include those at The Kennedy Center, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Hope Repertory Theatre, and more. Nguyen received his education at Doane University and Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre. Awards include the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region V Irene Ryan winner, National Mark Twain Award for Comic Performance, and Jane Alexander Emerging Artist Award. He is an Equity Membership Candidate.
Melinda Parrett is returning to the Festival as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and Josephina/Widow/other in The Taming of the Shrew. Previous roles at the Festival include Annie in The Play That Goes Wrong, Mrs. White in Clue, and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, among many others. Parrett has also performed at The Denver Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Geva Theatre, and more. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Dariana Elise Pérez is debuting at the Festival as Hero in Much Ado About Nothing and Lady in Waiting/Working Woman/Party Guest in Henry VIII. Other roles include those in Twelfth Night at Ten Thousand Things, Troilus and Cressida at Guthrie Dowling Studio, I Am Betty at History Theatre, and more. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Minnesota and is an Equity Membership candidate.
Marco Antonio Vega is returning to the Festival as Don John in Much Ado About Nothing and Surrey/Servant/Executioner in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Narrator in the Every Brilliant Thing Tour, Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Paris in Romeo and Juliet, and more. Other theater credits include Puck in William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged) at The Reduced Shakespeare Company. He boasts teaching credits at Utah Tech University and Southern Utah University and was a recipient of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Michael and Jan Finlayson Acting Award in 2017. Vega received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Utah University and a Master of Fine Arts from University of San Diego.
The supporting cast is as follows:
Ashley Aquino is returning to the Festival as Ursula in Much Ado About Nothing and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Previous roles at the Festival include Mustardseed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Other roles include Lucy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Frenchie in Cabaret, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more at Southern Utah University. Aquino received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Southern Utah University.
Evelyn Carol Case is returning to the Festival as Verges/Attendant in Much Ado About Nothing and Brandon/Patience/other in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Mrs. Bates/Ensemble in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical and Prince Escalus in Romeo and Juliet. She has appeared onstage with Prague Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Orange County, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Laguna Playhouse, and ten seasons as a resident artist with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Trent Dahlin is returning to the Festival as Conrade/Candle Bearer in Much Ado About Nothing and Wolsey’s Secretary/Gardiner in Henry VIII. Previous productions at the Festival include Pericles, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Twelfth Night, among others. Other roles include Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at Theatre Squared, Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility at Lyric Repertory Theatre, and more. Film credits include Mission Stories and American Prophet. Dahlin received his education at Southern Utah University and is an Equity Membership Candidate.
Darin F. Earl II is returning to the Festival as Soldier/Friar/First Watch in Much Ado About Nothing and Sands/Campeius/Dr. Butts in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Claudius/Ghost of Hamlet in Shakespeare in the Schools Hamlet Tour, Painter/Varro/Soldier in Timon of Athens, Sicinius Velutus/Roman Citizen/Soldier in Coriolanus, and more. Off Broadway productions include Ye Bear and Ye Cubb at 59E59 Theatres. Other acting credits include A Midwinter’s Night Dream at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Richard II at Luna Stage, and Love’s Labour’s Lost at Scranton Shakespeare Festival. Earl II boasts film credits including Hell House Origins and 825 Forest Road and received a Bachelor of Arts from Rider University.
Blake Henri is returning to the Festival as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing and Grumio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Previous roles at the Festival include Robert in last season’s The Play That Goes Wrong and Karl Lindner in A Raisin in the Sun. Other roles include those at Cleveland Playhouse, Dallas Theatre Center, and Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival to name a few. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at The University of Oklahoma.
James Carlos Lacey is debuting at the Festival as Borachio/Candle Bearer in Much Ado About Nothing and Lucentio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. He has been in off–Broadway productions of Trapped and in roles at The Kennedy Center, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Solas Nua, and more. Film credits include Shallot, and the actor is a founding member of the Undertow Theatre Collective. Lacey received a Master of Arts from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and a Master of Fine Arts from South Texas College.
Valerie Martire is making her debut at the Festival as Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing and Bianca/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. She has been in productions of Mauritius, The Wolves, and Appropriate at Illinois Wesleyan University, where Martire also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Awards include Best Actress in an Indie Film (Top Shorts 2023).
Patrick Vest is debuting at the Festival as Antonio in Much Ado About Nothing and Lowell in Henry VIII. Other roles include Iago in Othello at Nebraska Shakespeare, Macbeth at Shakespeare by the Sea, Major Arnold in Taking Sides at Rubicon Theatre, and many more. Vest received a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Matthew Wangemann is returning to the Festival as Attendant/Oatcake/Candle Bearer in Much Ado About Nothing and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Previous roles at the Festival included those in last year’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and The Greenshow. Off-Broadway productions include Pinkalicious: The Musical. Other roles include those at Alliance Theatre, Pickleville Playhouse, Hale Center Theater Orem, and more. Wangemann was in multiple productions at Southern Utah University, where he also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
Spencer Watson is returning to the Festival as Balthasar/Sexton/Messenger in Much Ado About Nothing and Monk/Guard/Party Guest/Anglican Priest in Henry VIII. He was in last season’s production of The Greenshow. Other roles include Betty/Edward in Cloud 9, Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in Into the Woods, and Whizzer in Falsettos at Southern Utah University. Watson was also Brutus in Finding the Fickle Fortune and Smee in Peter Pan at Pickleville Playhouse. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from Southern Utah University.
Henry Woronicz is returning to the Festival as Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing and Lord Chamberlain in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Henry V, Macbeth, Richard III, and more. He also directed As You Like It, Taming of the Shrew, Coriolanus, among others. Broadway credits include Julius Caesar. Other credits include those from American Players Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and much more. Television credits include Seinfeld, Ally McBeal, Cheers, and more, while film credits include Primary Colors, Living Out Loud, and The Good Catholic. Woronicz was the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director and Executive Producer at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. He boasts teaching credits as Head of MFA Acting, Illinois State University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Braedon Young is returning to the Festival as Soldier/Seacole/Candle Bearer in Much Ado About Nothing and Scribe/Messenger/Party Guest in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Abram in Romeo and Juliet, Robin Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and other roles in All’s Well That Ends Well and King Lear. Other theater credits include Georg in She Loves Me, Roger in Don’t Stop Me, Father in Paperboy, and more. Additional credits include multiple solo performances at Carnegie Hall and earning a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater at The Manhattan School of Music.
It’s not too early to purchase tickets. The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.
The season runs June 17 through October 5.
Visit here for more information about the play. Catch up here on our 10 Fun Facts about Much Ado About Nothing. Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.
The Winter's Tale Through the Years
The 2024 production is the Festival’s sixth production of the play. The Winter’s Tale was also performed here in 1972, 1989, 1996, 2004, and 2011.
Enjoy these photos from past productions and purchase tickets to the 2024 season by visiting here.
The Winter's Tale: 10 Fun Facts
A play filled with contrast, The Winter’s Tale is one of Shakespeare’s later and lesser-known plays. Balancing themes of jealousy and love, betrayal and redemption, and the opposing worlds of Sicilia and Bohemia, Director Carolyn Howarth urges audience members to not be afraid of this play.
“I realize it’s not a Romeo and Juliet, but these lesser known titles bring so much substance, and they’re such a delight,” Howarth said. “They’re so deep and thick and rich with drama and humor. It’s going to be a gorgeous show.”
Before The Winter’s Tale hits the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre stage this summer, read on to learn more and learn what makes our production of this Shakespeare play unique.
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This is the Festival’s sixth production of the play. The Winter’s Tale was also produced here in 1972, 1989, 1996, 2004, and 2011.
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Howarth is making her directorial debut at the Festival this season. “I’m so excited to be at the Festival; it’s been on my bucket list,” Howarth said.
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This Shakespeare play is close to Howarth’s heart, as it was one of the very first plays she acted in at the start of her professional career.
2024 Production Renderings: costume designs by Raven Ong. -
The play is full of contrast. Howarth notes that it’s part fairytale, part fact in that it takes place in the court of Sicilia and then the idyllic world of Bohemia. Howarth encourages audience members to look for these “fairytale moments” scattered throughout the play.
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The play has many mythological references. One is its basic structure which reflects the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades in using the cycle of winter and summer to propel the sorrow and joy. Another is the use of Apollo’s oracle to determine Hermione’s guilt.
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Speaking of Hermione, Melinda Pfundstein, who is directing Silent Sky this season, played this role in the 2011 production.
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The Winter’s Tale was one of Shakespeare’s last plays.
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The plot was based off of Pandosto, written in 1588 by Robert Greene, who was considered Shakespeare’s most successful predecessor within the realm of blank-verse romantic comedy.
2024 Production Renderings: costume designs by Raven Ong. -
The play was written in five acts. Some critics, including W.W. Lawrence, consider this a problem play because of the juxtaposition between the acts, with the first three being intensely dramatic and the last two filled with humor and a happy ending.
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The Winter’s Tale spans a timeframe of sixteen years. Howarth noted one of the challenges of directing this play is that like many of Shakespeare’s others: it’s such a big play.
It’s not too early to purchase tickets! Visit here to make your purchase and for more information about the play. Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a play synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.
Meet the Cast: The Taming of the Shrew
The Festival is thrilled to announce the performing company for this season’s production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, welcoming a mix of returning and new-to-the-Festival actors.
Last season, Valerie Rachelle directed Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical. This year, she’s shifting gears to take on one of Shakespeare’s most complicated comedies.
“It’s a very different story and very different style of play [than Emma], but it’s still about being a better person, finding love, listening and changing, and following your heart,” Rachelle said.
This is the Festival’s 11th production of the play. It was first produced in 1962 and most recently in 2015.
The lead cast for 2024 is as follows:
Cassandra Bissell is returning to the Festival as Tranio/Huntsman in The Taming of the Shrew and Queen Katherine in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, and Rosalind in As You Like It to name a few. She has also performed at Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and many more. Bissell received a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Chicago. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
John DiAntonio is making his Festival debut as Petruchio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. He has recently filled the role of Artistic Director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival after serving as Producing Artistic Director at Creede Repertory Theatre for over 13 years. He has acting and directing credits from Denver Center Theatre Company, Theatreworks, New Dramatists, and more. DiAntonio received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the National Theatre Conservatory. He also boasts training in Classical Acting from the British American Drama Academy in London. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
John Harrell is returning to the Festival as Hortensio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew, Guilford/Cromwell in Henry VIII, and Autolycus in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include the 2017 productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, and Shakespeare In Love. He was also the title characters in Hamlet, Cyrano, Richard II, and more at the American Shakespeare Center. Harrell received a Bachelor of Arts in English from James Madison University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Blake Henri is returning to the Festival as Grumio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Robert in last season’s The Play That Goes Wrong and Karl Lindner in A Raisin in the Sun. Other roles include those at Cleveland Playhouse, Dallas Theatre Center, and Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival to name a few. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at The University of Oklahoma.
Rodney Lizcano is debuting at the Festival as Gremio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing. Other roles include those at Denver Center Theatre Company, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Lizcano received a Master of Fine Arts from the National Theatre Conservatory and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Valerie Martire is making her debut at the Festival as Bianca/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing. She has been in productions of Mauritius, The Wolves, and Appropriate at Illinois Wesleyan University, where Martire also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She also has teaching credits at Actors Garden.
James Carlos Lacey is debuting at the Festival as Lucentio/Player in The Taming of the Shrew and Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing. He has been in off–Broadway productions of Trapped and in roles at The Kennedy Center, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Solas Nua, and more. Lacey received a Master of Arts from The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and a Master of Fine Arts from South Texas College.
Chris Mixon is returning to the Festival as Baptista Minola/Player in The Taming of the Shrew, Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII, and Old Shepherd/Jailer in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Dennis in The Play That Goes Wrong, Mr. Woodhouse in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, and Earl of Gloucester in King Lear. He’s been in the national Broadway tour of How to Succeed in Business Without Trying, world and NYC premieres at Pearl Theatre Company, and productions at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Caitlin Wise is debuting at the Festival as Kate/Lady in The Taming of the Shrew and Emilia/Shepherdess in The Winter’s Tale. She’s been in The Christians at Denver Center Performing Arts, The Importance of Being Earnest at Arvada Center, Wild Honey at Theatreworks, and more. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University and a Master of Fine Arts from National Theatre Conservatory. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Supporting roles are as follows:
Christopher Centinaro is returning to the Festival as Nicholas/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew, Florizel in The Winter’s Tale, and Surveyor/Capuchius/Cranmer in Henry VIII. Previous roles at the Festival include Sempronius in Timon of Athens and Adrien in Coriolanus. Centinaro has also been in Mojada at the Indiana Shakespeare Festival and has received the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award.
Alaysia Renay Duncan is making her Festival debut as Petra/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew, Anne Bullen in Henry VIII, and Perdita in The Winter’s Tale. She has also been in productions of Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at Engeman Theater, Dorian Gray at The Tank, Strange and Splendid at Chain Theatre, and more. Duncan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Ithaca College.
Topher Embrey is returning to the Festival as Christopher Sly/Curtis in The Taming of the Shrew, King Henry in Henry VIII, and Shepherd’s Son/Officer in The Winter’s Tale. Previous roles at the Festival include Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Bobo in A Raisin in the Sun. He has been in various productions Off-Broadway with Red Bull Theater and has performed for five seasons at American Shakespeare Center, as well as Colorado Shakespeare Festival and Denver Center for the Performing Arts, to name a few. Embrey received a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from Christopher Newport University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Geoffrey Kent is returning to the Festival as Vincentio/other roles in The Taming of the Shrew, Buckingham/Lord Chancellor in Henry VIII, and Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale. He directed The Play That Goes Wrong last season and has been in the Festival’s productions of Treasure Island, As You Like It, Shakespeare in Love, and more. Kent received a Henry Award for Excellence in Fight Direction and teaching credits include University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, and Asolo Conservatory. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Chloe McLeod is debuting at the Festival as Biondello/Huntsman/Server in The Taming of the Shrew, Dorcas/Lady in The Winter’s Tale, and Lady in Waiting/Working Woman/Party Guest in Henry VIII. She has performed in The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Anna Karenina at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Fun Home at Miners Alley Playhouse and more. McLeod trained at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Trenell Mooring is debuting at the Festival as Hostess/Phillipa/Merchant in The Taming of the Shrew, Margaret in Henry VIII, and Paulina in The Winter’s Tale. She has been Belinda in Noises Off and Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing at Orlando Shakes, Salima in Ruined at GableStage, and more. Mooring received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Melinda Parrett is returning to the Festival as Josephina/Widow/other in The Taming of the Shrew and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Previous roles at the Festival include Miss Bates in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, Mrs. White in Clue, and Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music, among many others. Parrett has also performed at The Denver Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Geva Theatre, and more. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
It’s not too early to purchase tickets! The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.
The season runs June 17 through October 5.
Don’t miss out on our study guide, where you can find a synopsis, character summaries, and several articles on the play.