Theatre VCU to present 'Sueño'

By J. Suzanne Horsley

RICHMOND, Va. – Theatre VCU will conclude its mainstage season with the Richmond premiere of "Sueño," a play written by José Rivera that reaches beyond reality and into the world of dreams.

The Virginia Commonwealth University production will run at 7:30 p.m. March 29-April 1 and 4-7, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 1 in the Raymond Hodges Theater of VCU’s Performing Arts Center, 922 Park Avenue.

Directed by resident guest artist William Roudebush, "Sueño" brings to vivid life a modern adaptation of Don Pedro Calderon de la Barca’s "Life Is a Dream."

"’Sueño’ entices your imagination to follow," Roudebush said. "This dynamic adaptation will take you to the naked dreams within your soul."

Roudebush has directed more than 250 productions at regional, university and off-Broadway theaters. He comes to Theatre VCU from Philadelphia, where he is a free lance writer and director. His latest book, "Acting by Mistake," will be available in April.

The play opens with the birth of Segismundo, heir to the Spanish throne, played by Phil Timberlake. Astrological predictions that Segismundo will grow up to be evil force his father to imprison him from birth. As King Basilio, played by Bev Appleton, nears death without an heir, he relents and brings the young prince to the throne. Unable to distinguish between reality and dream, the tormented prince fulfills his predicted destiny and is returned to his prison. The play is written in contemporary language with battles, romance and comedy.

Theatre VCU designers are Ron Keller, set; Elizabeth Weiss Hopper, costumes; Lou Szari, lighting; and Jeremy Miltenburger, sound.

For tickets, call the Theatre VCU Box Office at (804) 828-6026. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and VCU faculty and staff, and free for VCU students.

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Sueño Cast List

Basilio Bev Appleton (adjunct faculty)
Segismundo Phil Timberlake (graduate student)
Astolfo Brian Vrtis (senior)
Clotaldo Chris Scofield (senior)
Clarin Jennifer Krisch (junior)
Estrella Kira Fisher (senior)
Rosaura Natasha Martin (graduate student)
1st Servant Bridget Dunn (sophomore)
1st Guard John Reinhold (senior)
2nd Guard Adam Swisher (freshman)
3rd Guard Rob Rainbolt (senior)
Musicians Crystal Knight (senior)
Ryan Murvin (junior)
Heather Burgher (freshman)
Melissa Chanselle (sophomore)
Extras Thalen Terrell (sophomore)
Jim Quesenberry (graduate student)