Cameron theatre program to present debut of “Love Labors Lost,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s earliest comedy

Cameron University is pleased to present the debut of "Love's Labors Lost," an adaptation by Quetta Carpenter of Shakespeare's earliest comedy. The production, part of the CU Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts' theatre season, "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart," will be presented from November 21 through November 24 in the University Theatre. The curtain goes up on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets purchased at the door are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, members of the military and non-CU students. Cameron University students, faculty and staff receive one free admission with their CU I.D. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Box Office at 580-581-2346. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at https://www.cameron.edu/art-music-and-theatre/events/buy-tickets (taxes and processing fees apply).

In her adaptation of Shakespeare's original comedy, Carpenter places the focus on two princesses of Navarre and their entourage (Shakespeare featured the King of Navarre and his three companions), mixes in bits and pieces of the Bard's other works, and adds her own contemporary flair. Note: The production is recommended for mature audiences only and may contain content that some audience members may find objectionable.

Blanche of Navarre, her sister Rosaline and members of their entourage pledge themselves to scholarship and swear off romantic interactions for one year's duration. Will they succeed, or will they succumb to the charms of the dashing gents who come courting?

Ryan Kaye, Greeley, Colo., plays Blanche of Navarre, who wonders why she cannot inherit the French throne instead of Jean, played by Victor Rosario, Lawton. Victoria Spruill, Duncan, plays Blanche's cheeky sister Rosaline, who ignores entreaties from her aunt Isabella, while attempting to deny her feelings for Biron. Isabella is played by Natalie Small, Duncan, and Biron is played by Tulsa's Mvnte Jones.

Theo Cognet, El Paso, Texas, portrays the Abbess, who teaches the princesses about Salic Law and its implications. The princesses are supported in their endeavors by Katherine and Marie, played by Gabriella Aguilar-Freeman, Oberkirch, Germany, and Desire'e Webster, Lawton, respectively. Alexzander Ernest, Lawton, as Boyet backs the prince. The cast also includes Shayson Lenee' Hodges, Comanche, as Costard; Joceline Hernandez, Houston, Texas, as Dull; and Skylar Edwards, Las Vegas, Nev., as Jacquenetta, a hilarious trio who devise ways to inflate their pocketbooks while maintaining Costard's inn.

The technical crew includes Tamia Johnson, Graceville, Fla., as the production's stage manager, assisted by assistant stage manager Alexzander Bliefernich, Lawton. Small is the assistant costume designer and props master, assisted by Rhia Pettigrew, Lawton, as props assistant. Pettigrew also operates the sound board. Rosario aids as assistant scenic designer. Jaiden Standridge, Duncan, helps as light board operator and in the costume shop, and Edwards serves as assistant lighting designer. Sydney Dalby, Cache, works as the running crew.

Guiding the students through the production are assistant professor Dr. Natalie McCabe, who directed the show; instructor Jean Gerald Tartière as costume designer, fight director and movement consultant; assistant professor Ben Williams as technical director, scenic designer and lighting designer; and theatre facilities manager Joseph Roberts on sound.

Carpenter, an associate professor of acting and theatre at Purdue University, adapted the script as part of her "Bespoke Shakespeare" project. For this adaptation, because Cameron has more female theatre majors than males, she essentially switched the lead roles and wrote some parts to be cast as either gender. She has worked professionally in theatre, television and film as an actress, writer, director and producer.

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