Preview of 'Measure for Measure' at Westover School

Westover School’s Theater Department will present its spring term production of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, beginning at 7:00 pm in the School’s Performing Arts Center.

Measure for Measure has long been considered one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” but this production of Measure for Measure takes a fresh look at the themes and characters, and frames them for a contemporary audience. Setting the play in New York City in the 1970’s brings both relevancy and vibrancy to the story. The Duke, who has disguised himself as a friar in order to observe the city in his absence, leaves his second-in-command, Angelo, in charge. The city is in a state of criminal chaos, and Angelo begins to strongly enforce long-neglected laws. The unfortunate Claudio is arrested, thrown into jail and scheduled for execution, but by all accounts, the punishment does not fit the crime. Claudio’s sister, Isabella, is left to plead to Angelo for her brother’s life, but at a terrible price. The play was chosen to support Westover’s year-long theme focusing on Human Rights, and explores the dramatic action of exposing people’s true nature in order to teach tolerance. Marla Truini, Director of Drama, is the production’s director.

The cast includes Leah Nashel as Duke Vincentio; Britney Dumas as Isabella; Emily Hazelton as Lucio; Rhian Lewis as Angelo; Elizabeth Reed as Escalus; Atia Curtiss as Pompey; Nina Wernick as the Provost; Andrew Ubaldi as Claudio; Vicky Graham as Elbow; Lauren-Nicole Laurenceau as Mariana; Amelia Bell as Mistress Overdone; Nilay Ghatlia as Bernardine; and Ashley Sanchez as Abhorson; The Ensemble includes Joe Urbano, Dak Mannella, and Westover faculty members Christopher Sweeney and Jo Dexter, as well as Jo’s son, Nate Dexter.

Local community theatre star Ian Diedrich is the production’s Technical Director, Jessica Dierdorff is the Assistant Director, and Chanttal Cabral is the Stage Manager. Alisa Tiong is the Scenic Designer, and Bronwyn Sims and Patrick Donnelly are the Physical Theatre Choreographers. The running crew includes Sandra Huang, Rian Ishikawa, Henry Lytle, Erika Malapad-Trentalange, Alex Neelon, Marie Shiraishi, and Rachael Shurberg.

Those attending the performance are asked to enter the Performing Arts Center through the School’s South Street gate. Parking is available in the St. John of the Cross parking lot on South Street. Reservations may be made by calling 203.577.4535. There is no charge for admission, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Westover is a selective boarding and day school in Middlebury, Connecticut, with 205 students in grades 9-12 from 16 states and 17 countries.