Morgan Chard as Cleopatra, Patrick Moltane as Marc Antony. *Photos by Nicole Gram

The Hilberry Theatre has announced its presentation of Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare, opening at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2006. In one of Shakespeare’s most poetic plays, Marc Antony, the handsome, brave Roman general, becomes captivated with Cleopatra, the beautiful and proud Queen of Egypt. Together they ignore Antony’s responsibilities to Rome, defying the power of the Senate and entering into a tragic war that is waged against the two lovers. This historical love story is both evocative and passionate, captivating audiences ‘til this day.

Antony and Cleopatra, based on Sir Thomas North’s translation of Plutarch’s Lives of Noble Greciens and Romanes, primarily the Life of Marcus Antonius, begins four years after the death of Julius Caesar, Roman Emperor and Cleopatra’s former lover. Marc Antony, Caesar’s close friend, now shares power in a triumvirate with Octavius Caesar and Aemilius Lepidus. It is not until Marc Antony and Cleopatra meet and begin their controversial affair that the Roman Republic begins its demise. Written at the height of Shakespeare’s literary powers, Antony and Cleopatra was the fourth play in a sequence of great tragedies that included Othello, King Lear and Macbeth.

Directed by Lavinia Hart, the cast includes: Patrick Moltane (Marc Antony), Jeff Luttermoser (Octavius Caesar), Michael Brian Ogden (Enobarbus/Dollabella), Christopher M. Bohan (Thidius/Proculeius/Pompey), Mike Metzel (Lepidus/Schoolmaster/Ambassador), Sean Ward (Eros/Ensemble), Michael Boynton (Philo/Agrippa), Nathan Magee (Roman Messenger 1/Canidius/Menas), Christopher Corporandy (Menecrates/Mardian), Jeff Thomakos (Alexas/Scarus), Carly Germany (Soothsayer), Morgan Chard (Cleopatra), Jennifer McConnell (Charmian), Megan Callahan (Iras), Tiffanie Kilgast (Octavia), Cynthia Barker (Maecenas/Roman Messenger 2), Joseph Porter (Egyptian Servant/ Pompey Servant 1/ Antony Soldier 1/Valet 1/Caesar Soldier 1), David Ludwig (Egyptian Servant/Pompey Servant 2/Antony Soldier 2/Valet 2/Caesar Soldier 2), Steve West (Egyptian Servant/Roman Messenger 3/Ensemble/Pompey Servant 3/Antony Soldier 3) and Crystal Reed (Egyptian Maid/Pompey Servant 4/Antony Soldier 4). Designers for Antony and Cleopatra are Brad Darvas (scenic/props), Chris Dennis (sound), John Woodland (costumes) and Chad Croteau (sound).

Antony and Cleopatra plays through Thursday, May 4, 2006 in rotating repertory with Electra by Sophocles, translated by Anne Carson, Sly Fox by Larry Gelbart and The Inspector General by Nikolai Gogol.

Antony and Cleopatra Performance Breakdown: Wed. 2 p.m.: Mar. 8 Thurs. 8 p.m.: Mar. 9, Apr. 20, May 4 Fri. 8 p.m.: Mar. 3, Mar. 10, Mar. 31, Apr. 14 Sat. 2 p.m.: Apr. 1, Apr. 15 Sat. 8 p.m.: Mar. 4, Apr. 1, Apr. 15, Apr. 29

Ticket prices range from $15 - $28 with student rush tickets available the day of the performance for $10. Group discounts are also available. For tickets and further information, please call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Box Office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Cass Ave. and W. Hancock. Performance information may also be obtained by visiting the theatre’s website at www.hilberry.com.

Season sponsored by Between the Lines, Metrotimes and Dearborn Times Herald.