"If music be the food of love, play on!"

After William Shakespeare penned Twelfth Night in about 1601, there was only one documented performance-for a group of lawyers. Shakespeare had no way of knowing that hundreds of years later, the play would be heralded as "the nearest thing to a perfect comedy yet composed in English1" and become his most popular and best known comedy.

Directed by James J. Christy, who received the Lifetime Achievement Barrymore Award in 2006, Twelfth Night previews June 18 and 19, opens June 20 and runs through July 6. The Production Sponsor is Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects, and the production co-sponsors are Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth, and Wills Hall Oblate Community.

Like many of Shakespeare's comedies, Twelfth Night includes classic elements like mistaken identity, unrequited love, and outrageous circumstances. The story unfolds on the imaginary shores of Illyria, where Viola is shipwrecked and believes her twin brother Sebastian is lost at sea. For protection, Viola disguises herself as a male page named 'Cesario' and is employed by Duke Orsino. The duke enlists Cesario to serve as an intermediary to woo Lady Olivia. Creating the funniest of love triangles, Viola (as Cesario) attracts the misguided affections of Lady Olivia, while simultaneously falling in love with her employer, Orsino.

Revelry abounds among the occupants of Olivia's household. Several conspire to make her pompous steward, Malvolio, believe that Olivia wishes to marry him. Sir Toby Belch, the foolish squire Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Feste the jester, and the wily Maria and Fabian hatch the plot with great delight. When Viola's 'lost' twin brother, Sebastian, appears on the scene, confusion reigns as mistaken identities multiply. In the end, the characters' outrageous masquerades are revealed as love sorts out the truth.

Last seen at PSF in 2000, Twelfth Night features several acclaimed PSF actors. The vivacious, impish Viola will be played by Erin Clare Hurley. Ms. Hurley recently played the title role of Anne of Green Gables at The People's Light and Theatre Company, which earned her a Barrymore nomination for Leading Actress. The pompous steward Malvolio will be played by Carl N. Wallnau, returning to PSF for his ninth season. The hearty comedian Sir Toby Belch will be played by John Ahlin, who was last seen as Falstaff in PSF's 2005 production of Henry IV, Part 1, and a veteran of five Broadway productions. Anthony Lawton, who portrayed Autolycus/Time in last season's production of The Winter's Tale, returns to the role he played at PSF in 2000, Feste.

Making his PSF debut as the lovelorn Duke Orsino is Lindsay Smiling, whose Philadelphia area credits include Of Mice and Men at Walnut Street Theater and Richard III at the Lantern Theater. Another newcomer to PSF is Jenny Mercein, as Lady Olivia. Regional credits include Desdemona in Othello at the Pioneer Theatre. Other company members include two-time Barrymore Award winner Pete Pryor as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and Kati Brazda, as the playful gentlewoman Maria.

Director Christy returns to PSF for the first time since directing PSF's 1996 production of Othello. He is the recipient of numerous Barrymore awards, including two for best directing and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nick Embree is scenic designer and head of the B.F.A. Theater Design and Technology Program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Pamela Scofield, costume designer, recently designed costumes for The Music Man at the Bushnell Theatre in Hartford, CT. Lighting designer Jerold R. Forsyth is a two-time recipient of the Barrymore Award for Outstanding Lighting Design. Barrymore Award nominee John Bellomo returns to the Festival as Fight Director. Voice and Text Coach Dudley Knight has had a 40-year career as a voice/text director and actor in professional theatre. Music director and composer Robert Maggio has composed music that will be played live by cast member musicians, Kaitlyn Baum on violin, Scott Herman on bass, and Emily K. Orenstein on cello. Sound Designer Matthew Given returns to PSF for his fifth season, and has designed sound for all the season's productions.

PSF's production of Twelfth Night offers a vibrant counterpoint to this season's other Shakespeare production, King Lear. Producing Artistic Director Patrick Mulcahy says, "Balance is a key to every suc­cessful season: this one offers romance, comedy, tragedy, and a thriller."

The 2008 season also features Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker, Jim Helsinger's adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel (through June 29, Schubert Theatre); Shakespeare's King Lear (July 9-August 3, Schubert Theatre); the Anthony Burgess adaptation of Edmund Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac (July 16-August 3, on the Main Stage), and a musical adaptation of Kipling's classic, The Jungle Book (through August 2, Schubert Theatre).

The free outdoor Green Show completes the season's offerings and is performed one hour prior to each evening performance.

Performances of Twelfth Night are Tuesdays at 7pm; Wednesdays through Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm (no 2pm Saturday, June 21); Sundays at 2pm; Sunday Evening Special [buy two tickets at full adult price and get two at $5 each]: Sunday, June 22 at 7:30pm.

Single ticket prices range from $29 to $46. Discounts are available for subscribers, seniors, students, and groups. Season tickets are still available and offer patrons the greatest discounts and flexibility. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282 WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

The Amaranth Foundation is the 2008 Season Sponsor. Associate Season Sponsors are The Morning Call and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit theatre company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America.

For ticket information, contact PSF at 610-282-WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

Principal Artists' Biographies

JOHN AHLIN (Sir Toby Belch) portrayed Falstaff in Henry IV, Part 1 at PSF in 2005. Broadway: Journey's End (2007 Tony Award Best Revival), The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Voices in the Dark, One Mo' Time, Whoopee!, and Macbeth. Off-Broadway: Orson Welles in Orson's Shadow. TV: Law and Order: SVU (multiple episodes), Third Watch, As the World Turns, Max Bickford. As a playwright, John had his award-winning play Gray Area receive a successful Off-Broadway premiere this winter with The Barrow Group.

JOHN BELLOMO (Fight Director) choreographed the fights for PSF's Hamlet (2002) and Romeo and Juliet (2001). A member of The Society of American Fight Directors, he has choreographed for many of Philadelphia's theatre companies and is a two-time Barrymore Award nominee. He has taught Stage Combat at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, Teatro-in-Polvere in Milan, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, and Temple University in Philadelphia. He recently returned from Italy where he directed William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and The Tempest. John received an M.F.A. in Directing from Temple University, a B.F.A. in Acting from the University of the Arts and is a graduate of The International School for the Comic Actor in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

JAMES J. CHRISTY (Director) directed PSF's 1996 production of Othello. In 2006 he was honored with Barrymore Lifetime Achievement Award, a highlight of his longtime career as a director and educator in Philadelphia. His productions have won numerous Barrymore awards, including two for best directing. His most recent Shakespeare production was a well received King Lear for the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre this spring. He is a Professor Emeritus at Villanova University; he recently retired after 39 years of teaching theatre.

MATTHEW GIVEN (Production Manager/ Sound Designer) rejoins PSF for his fifth summer as resident sound designer and first as production manager. He has designed 25 productions at PSF, including The Winter's Tale, The Mystery of Irma Vep, The Merchant of Venice, and Man of La Mancha. He holds an M.F.A. in sound design from Ohio University and currently serves as the resident sound designer for the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre.

NICK EMBREE (Set Designer) designed sets for Philadelphia-area and regional theaters. He is the head of the B.F.A. Theater Design and Technology Program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

JEROLD R. FORSYTH (Lighting Designer) designed over 250 productions. Philadelphia area credits: Wilma Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, Arden Theatre, Amaryllis Theatre, Villanova University Theatre, InterAct Theatre, American Music Theatre Festival, The People's Light & Theatre Company, Venture Theatre, and the Philadelphia Drama Guild. Other East Coast credits: Kennedy Center, New York Shakespeare Festival, Lincoln Center Theatre, York Theatre Company, Village Theatre, and Opera Ebony-New York. Awards include twelve nominations and two Barrymore Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design. Mr. Forsyth has also twice received "Most Notable Lighting Design" citations from The Philadelphia Inquirer.

ERIN CLARE HURLEY (Viola) returns to PSF for her ninth summer as a company member. Directing credits include PSF's Linny Fowler WillPower Tours of Macbeth (2007) and Hamlet (2006), Winnie the Pooh, and The Green Show. Choreography credits include: The Mystery of Irma Vep, The Winter's Tale, and Romeo and Juliet. Acting credits include: Anne of Green Gables (2007 Barrymore nomination for Outstanding Leading Actress), The People's Light and Theatre Company; The Cleveland Play House, and PSF. M.F.A.: Case Western Reserve University; B.A.: DeSales University. Erin teaches at DeSales University. [Please note: Erin Clare Hurley is the Equity name of Erin Mullen, PSF's Education Director.]

DUDLEY KNIGHT (Voice/Text Coach) is a Professor Emeritus of Drama at the University of California, Irvine. A founding member of the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut; extensive stage career includes major roles in regional theatres such as American Conservatory Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, La Jolla Playhouse, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Old Globe Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Utah Shakespearean Festival, Ensemble Studio Theatre, along with hundreds of roles in film, television, radio, and voice-over. He is certified as master teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework. A forty-year career as voice, speech, text, and dialect teacher and voice/text director for professional theatre, including five years on the artistic staff of Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory. He conducts workshops and lectures on voice and speech for actors and voice teachers nationwide, and published articles in journals and in the books, The Vocal Vision and Standard Speech.

ANTHONY LAWTON (Feste) returns to PSF for his fifth season. Favorite roles: George in Of Mice and Men, Austin in True West; Stephano in The Tempest, Cromwell in A Man for All Seasons, and Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream; and his solo shows, The Devil and Billy Markham, The Great Divorce and The Screwtape Letters. He appeared in M. Night Shyamalan's film, Unbreakable. His first original play, The Foocy, garnered five Barrymore nominations, including Best New Play.

ROBERT MAGGIO (Music Director/Composer) composed music for Philadelphia Theatre Company, Yale Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, The People's Light & Theater Company; currently working on two musicals: Shall We Dance? with Kristin Maloney and Touchtones with Michael Hollinger; orchestral music compositions by the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Dallas/Fort Worth Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony and the Cincinnati Symphony; original music recorded on CRI and Albany labels; graduate of Yale and UPenn; faculty: West Chester University.

JENNY MERCEIN (Olivia) Recent New York credits include the workshop production of Hillary at The Public Theater (co-production with New Georges). Regional credits include Becca in Rabbit Hole (Florida Studio Theater), Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare Festival St. Louis), Desdemona in Othello (The Pioneer), and Rosalind in As You Like It. (Connecticut Free Shakespeare). Television: Law & Order, Stephen King's - The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer. B.A. Yale, M.F.A. University of Washington. Jenny teaches acting at American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City.

PATRICK MULCAHY (Producing Artistic Director) Since assuming leadership in 2003, Mr. Mulcahy has overseen PSF's return to artistic excellence and financial stability, rebuilding the professional company of artists and achieving increasing national recognition for the Festival. Further accomplishments include: PSF's awards from the National Endowment for the Arts; featuring artists who are winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Jefferson and Barrymore awards to the Festival; growth in all income areas; a 50% increase in attendance, and the expansion of the number of Actors' Equity contracts per season. As a professional director, actor, and fight director, his credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, television and radio. For PSF, he directed The Winter's Tale last season, Henry IV, Part 1 (2005), The Tempest (1999) and acted in and served as fight director for The Taming of the Shrew (1998) and Julius Caesar (1997). As Head of Acting at DeSales, he directed ten productions for Act 1, including I Hate Hamlet, The Grapes of Wrath, The Foreigner and The Diary of Anne Frank. He holds an M.F.A. in directing from Syracuse University.

PETE PRYOR (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) is the co-founder of 1812 Productions, Philadelphia's only all-comedy theatre company, where he directed Recent Tragic Events and the Barrymore award-winning The Four of Us. He is the recipient of two individual artist fellowships from the Independence Foundation and two Barrymore awards for his acting work in Philadelphia. Credits include: Arden Theatre, Act II Playhouse, Azuka Theatre, The Boarshead, Cape May Stage, Theatre Exile, The Lantern, People's Light and Theatre Co., Freedom Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Co., and the Wilma. Film and TV: The Cellar, Surrender Dorothy, The In Crowd, Felix Melman, Hack, and The Starship Akuno. In May, he completed a development workshop with director, friend, and longtime collaborator, Matt Pfeiffer, of a solo piece about fatherhood, family, and autism entitled Beautiful Boy.

PAMELA SCOFIELD (Costume Designer) recently designed The Music Man starring Patrick Cassidy and Shirley Jones at the Bushnell Theatre in Hartford, CT. New York credits include Cinderella at Madison Square Garden; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; Almost Maine, Summer of '42 (Off-Broadway); and The Grammy Awards at Radio City Music Hall. Regional designs for Pittsburgh Public; Actors Theatre of Louisville; Asolo, McCarter and GeVa Theatres; Berkshire Theatre Festival; as well as many musicals, new and old, for Goodspeed Opera House. She has been a faculty member at Colby and Queens colleges.

LINDSAY SMILING (Orsino) appeared in numerous Philadelphia area productions including Of Mice and Men (Walnut Street Theater), Richard III (Lantern Theater), Lobby Hero (Walnut Street Theater), and Jesus Hopped the A Train (Wilma Theater). Regional credits include The Mojo and the Sayso (A.C.T./The Hansberry Project), Take Me Out (Mixed Blood Theater & Human Race Theater), and The Sunset Limited (Human Race Theater). Film/TV credits: Hack, As the World Turns, The Daily Grind, and Brother. Lindsay received a B.S. from Illinois State University and an M.F.A. from Temple University.

CARL N. WALLNAU (Malvolio) PSF productions include Sleuth, Amadeus, Charley's Aunt, Love's Labour's Lost, Richard III, Romeo and Juliet, All's Well That Ends Well, The Comedy of Errors and The Taming of the Shrew. He has worked at numerous regional theatres including Paper Mill Playhouse, Second Stage in NYC, People's Light, Hartford Stage, Bristol Riverside, Forum Theatre, Premiere Stages, Orlando Shakespeare Company and 14 months on the road with the First National Tour of Titanic. He is currently Artistic Director of the Centenary Stage Company, an Equity theatre located on the campus of Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ, where he is also Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Chairman of the Fine Arts Department. He received his M.F.A. from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts and is married to his favorite actress Colleen Smith Wallnau for whom he wrote the play Mary Todd.A Woman Apart.

1. London Telegraph, W.A. Darlington, 1950.