Wednesday, June 2, 2004

The Comedy of Errors Prepares for Amphitheater Stage

Offshoot Productions is fully immersed in rehearsals for its first presentation at Fayetteville's Villages Amphitheater. William Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” will play at this attractive and spacious venue on June 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26 and 27. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

Produced in cooperation with Main Street Fayetteville and made possible in part by grants from the Endowment Committee for the Cultural Arts of Fayette County and the Grassroots Program of the Georgia Council for the Arts, this production of Shakespeare's famous farce about two sets of identical twins will play not only on the stage but in front of the stage and in the audience area as well. In fact, cast members will greet the audience as they enter with magic, music, mime and more.

The Villages Amphitheater is located at 301 LaFayette Avenue, next to Fayette County High School. Tickets are $5, general admission with children ten and under attending for free. They are available in advance at the Peachtree City Library 770-631-2520; the Fayette County Library 770-461-8841; and Fayetteville City Hall 770-461-6029.ÊTickets will also be sold at the door.

The cast is a blend of professional actors from throughout the Atlanta metro area, theatre apprentices and community members. The twins are portrayed by Justin Hand and Justin Sims (as Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus), and Fracena Byrd and Kristi Rivas (as Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus). LeeAnna Lambert and Lesley Howe, both of whom have previously appeared in Offshoot shows, fill the roles of Adriana (wife to Antipholus of Ephesus) and Luciana (Adriana's sister).

For additional information, call the Offshoot office at (770) 631-2362 or send e-mail to offshootpr@aol.com. Ê

Attached photo: Fracena Byrd, Justin Hand as Dromio of Syracuse and Antipholus of Syracuse in Offshoot's Comedy of Errors