Shakespeare Initiative director Barry Edelstein helms Timon of Athens, which will run through March 6 in the Anspacher Theater. As with all Public LAB productions, tickets are available at only $15.
The Public Lab, which has devoted its past four seasons to exploring new voices in theatre, takes a minimalist approach to Shakespeare with the new endeavor, putting focus on the actor, text and story.
Thomas (Race, "The Waltons") stars in the title role in a cast that also features Max Casella (Endgame, "Doogie Howser") as Apemantus, Reg E. Cathey (The Shawshank Redemption, "American Psycho") as Alcibiades, Mark Nelson (Secrets of the Trade, A Few Good Men) as Flavius, Che Ayende (Thief, Servilius), Tom Bloom (Old Athenian, Senator), Cary Donaldson (Thief, Lucilius), Brian Keane (Merchant), David Manis (Lucius, Senator), Anthony Manna (Jeweler, Caphis), Greg McFadden (Poet), Chris McKinney (Lucullus, Senator), Orville Mendoza (Painter), Joe Paulik (Messenger) and Triney Sandoval (Sempronius, Senator).
The Public describes Timon of Athens as "Shakespeare's play for the post-Bailout Age. Its central concern--money’s dark potential to corrupt every human interaction--couldn’t be more timely or fascinating. As one of Shakespeare's least-familiar works, it is also one of his most unique: a comedy written with an acid pen, a morality tale told in a fury."
The production has set design by Neil Patel, costume design by Katherine Roth, lighting design by Russell Champa and music composition by Curtis Moore. Thomas appeared in the Shakespeare in the Park production of As You Like It, as well as the Broadway productions of Race, Sunrise at Campobello, Strange Interlude, The Playroom, Everything in the Garden, Fifth of July, The Front Page, Democracy and A Naked Girl On The Appian Way. His numerous screen appearances include "The Waltons," "All Quiet on the Western Front," "Roots: The Next Generations," "The Red Badge of Courage," "Wonder Boys" and "Taking Woodstock."
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