WHAT: Boston University School of Theatre in association with the Huntington Theatre Company presents
Propeller Theater Company in Shakespeare’s Richard III and The Comedy of Errors, directed by
Propeller Artistic Director Edward Hall (Two Men of Florence).
WHEN: May 18 – June 19, 2011
Evenings: Tues. – Thurs. at 7:30pm; Fri. – Sat. at 8pm; Select Sun. at 7:30pm
Matinees: Select Wed., Sat., Sun. at 2pm
Days and times vary; see complete schedule at end of release.
**Note Opening/Press Review Schedule: Saturday, May 21
2pm: The Comedy of Errors
8pm: Richard III
RSVP online at huntingtontheatre.org/news
WHERE: Boston University Theatre – 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA
TICKETS: $25-$89. Single tickets and subscriptions are on sale online at huntingtontheatre.org; by phone at
617 266-0800, or in person at the B.U. Theatre Box Office, 264 Huntington Avenue or the
Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA Box Office, 527 Tremont Street in Boston’s South End.
$5 senior and military discounts.
$10 Subscriber and B.U. Community discounts.
$25 “35 Below” tickets for patrons 35 years old and younger (valid I.D. required).
$25 back row of the balcony tickets.
$15 student rush seats (available 2 hrs. before curtain time for each performance; valid I.D. required).
(BOSTON) – Boston University School of Theatre in association with the Huntington Theatre Company brings
the internationally acclaimed Propeller Theatre Company to Boston for the first time to perform
Shakespeare’s Richard III and The Comedy of Errors in ambitious rotating repertory. An all-male cast of
fourteen actors takes on over 40 roles in the two boisterous productions. Propeller is currently on an
international tour that includes only three U.S. cities; Boston is the final U.S. stop.
“There is far more to Propeller than boys in high heels,” remarks The Independent. The U.K.-based Propeller
mounts muscular and testosterone-fueled productions of Shakespeare’s works unique for their dynamic
physicality, imaginative theatricality, and a modern flair – all while honoring the original text. The multi-
talented actors infuse the productions with music and live sound as they sing and play musical instruments
throughout.
In Richard III, Shakespeare’s most villainous king embarks on a fiendishly entertaining and diabolic adventure
to scheme and murder his way to the throne. Propeller’s production, set in a gothic Victorian hospital, features
evocative, bloody imagery in the style of Grand Guignol. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Set “south of the border,” The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins that were
separated at birth and reunite 25 years later with hilarious consequences. Mistaken identities, assumed
personas, slapstick physical comedy, and a mariachi band make The Comedy of Errors a fun-filled family
experience. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
“Shakespeare challenges every preconceived notion about people, about morality, about what it is to be
human,” says Hall. “Our culture and society, mainly led by the media, demands that we make instant judgments
about everything. Shakespeare reminds you not to get caught up in that vortex.”
Propeller has previously toured Shakespeare’s Henry V internationally and the hugely acclaimed Rose Rage
(Henry VI, Parts I, II, and III) across the U.K. and to Chicago and New York, among other productions. The
company is led by Artistic Director Edward Hall, son of acclaimed British theatre director Sir Peter Hall, who
returns to the Huntington having previously staged the U.S. premiere of local author Richard N. Goodwin’s hit
play Two Men of Florence.
“Ed’s production of Two Men of Florence was a monumental experience my first season, and I am delighted now
to bring his dynamic company to Boston,” says Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois. “Propeller’s actors are
incomparably talented – they hit the darkest notes of the drama and the antic shenanigans of the comedy.
Boston audiences will want to make sure they see both of these productions to fully appreciate the scope of
Propeller’s theatrical skill.”
Edward Hall (director) is the artistic director of Propeller Theatre Company and Hampstead Theatre. His
productions of The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are currently touring the U.K. prior to
a world tour including New York and Tokyo. His production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream played in London
in 2003, and New York’s Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2004 (Drama Desk Award nominations for Best Director
and Best Production). His production of Rose Rage (an adaptation of Henry VI parts I, II, and III) played in
London (Olivier Award nomination) before touring the U.K. and the world, including Chicago Shakespeare
Theatre in 2003 (Jefferson Awards for Best Play, Director, and Ensemble) and the Duke Theatre in New York. Mr.
Hall’s other theatre credits include The Deep Blue Sea (Vaudeville Theatre); The Taming of the Shrew (OBIE
Award) and Twelfth Night (The Old Vic and world tour, Drama Desk Award nomination in New York); Once in
a Lifetime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Olivier Award nomination), and Edmond with
Kenneth Branagh (all for the National Theatre); A Streetcar Named Desire with Natasha Richardson and John C.
Reilly (Roundabout Theatre Company); Macbeth with Sean Bean and Samantha Bond (Albery Theatre); and
Julius Caesar, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Comedy of Errors, and Henry V (all for Royal Shakespeare
Company). He has also directed for television.
THE CAST
Propeller Theatre Company members featured in the two productions include Tony Bell, Kelsey Brookfield,
Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Wayne Cater, Richard Clothier, John Dougall, Richard Frame, Robert Hands, Chris
Myles, David Newman, Thomas Padden, Sam Swainsbury, Dominic Tighe, and Jon Trenchard.
PRODUCTION ARTISTS
The creative team for Richard III and The Comedy of Errors includes costume and production design by
Michael Pavelka (Rose Rage), lighting design by Ben Ormerod (Beautiful Burnout at National Theatre of
Scotland), composition and sound design by David Gregory (Wages of Thin at the Old Red Lion), music by
Propeller, and additional arrangements and original music by Jon Trenchard. Production manager is Nick
Ferguson; company manager is Nick Chesterfield.
SPONSORS
The Huntington’s Grand Patron is Boston University. The 2010-2011 Season Sponsor is J. David Wimberly.
Richard III and The Comedy of Errors Production Co-Sponsors are Dola Stemberg and Bill and Linda McQuillan.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
“Propeller has brought Shakespeare kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.” – Metro
“Propeller triumphs again! Beg, borrow, or steal a ticket.” – Farnham Herald (Richard III)
“The bawdiest, smartest, funniest, most outrageously alive Shakespeare in ages.” – New York Post (The Comedy
of Errors)
HELPFUL LINKS
Propeller Theatre Company: propeller.org.uk
Propeller at Huntington Theatre Company: huntingtontheatre.org/propeller
The Independent: “A new spin on Shakespeare,” and more: huntingtontheatre.org/propellerpress
Production and artists’ photos, visit the online Photo Library:
huntingtontheatre.org/news/photolibrary.aspx.
ABOUT THE HUNTINGTON
Since its founding in 1982, the Huntington Theatre Company has developed into Boston’s leading theatre company.
Bringing together superb local and national talent, the Huntington produces a mix of groundbreaking new works and
classics made current. Led by Artistic Director Peter DuBois and Managing Director Michael Maso, the Huntington
creates award-winning productions, runs nationally renowned programs in education and new play development,
and serves the local theatre community through its operation of the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. The
Huntington is in residence at Boston University. For more information, visit huntingtontheatre.org.
ABOUT BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEATRE
The School of Theatre in the Boston University College of Fine Arts was established in 1954 as one of the country’s
leading institutions for the study of acting, directing, design, production, management, and all aspects of the
theatrical profession. In recent years, the School of Theatre has evolved into an energetic place that values the notion
of “the new conservatory,” which fosters the artistic benefits of collaboration, a rigorous and intellectually
demanding curriculum, a nurturing and supportive community of artists, and strong, meaningful interaction with
the profession. Current professional programs include the New Play Initiative (NPI); the Boston Center for American
Performance (BCAP), the School’s professional production extension; and the BU Professional Theatre Initiative (PTI),
which provides strong interaction with many professional theatres highlighted by its longstanding relationship with
the Huntington Theatre Company, Boston’s premiere regional theatre in residence at BU.
# # #
MEDIA NOTES
For interviews and more information, contact Communications Manager Rebecca Curtiss at
RCurtiss@huntingtontheatre.bu.edu or 617 273-1537.
PRODUCTION CALENDAR and RELATED EVENTS
Richard III & Comedy of Errors
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Edward Hall
The Huntington’s production of Richard III and Comedy of Errors each play 19 performances, including 3
preview performances. Related pre- and post-show events are free with ticket purchase to any performance.
Post-Show Audience Conversations
Ongoing
Led by members of the Huntington staff. After most
Tuesday – Friday, Saturday matinee, and Sunday
matinee performances throughout the season. Free
with a ticket to the performance. Schedule at
huntingtontheatre.org/conversation.
Actors Forum
Thursday, 5/19, following the 7:30pm
performance (Comedy)
Wednesday, 6/1, following the 2pm
performance (RIII)
Participating cast members answer questions from
the audience. Learn more at
huntingtontheatre.org/actors.
“get bro-manced” 35 Below Wrap Party
Fri., 5/20, following the 8pm performance
(Comedy)
A post-show wrap party with free drinks, live
music, and exclusive backstage access. $25 ticket
includes admission to both performance and party.
Learn more at huntingtontheatre.org/35Below.
Student Matinee Performances
RIII: Thursday, 5/26, 10am
Comedy: Friday, 6/10, 10am
For groups of students in grades 6-12. Call 617 273-
1558 for more information. Learn more at
huntingtontheatre.org/studentmatinee.
Out & About Club
Thursday, 5/26, following the 7:30pm
performance (Comedy)
Join GLBT audience members at a post-show party.
Use code OUT to purchase discounted tickets at $40
to this performance online. Learn more at
huntingtontheatre.org/outabout.
Humanities Forum
Sunday, 6/5, following the 2pm performance
(RIII)
A post-performance talk exploring the context and
significance of Richard III. Learn more at
huntingtontheatre.org/humanities.