Tony Nominee Kara Young Reprises Twelfth Night's Viola Beginning February 11

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Off-Broadway News Tony Nominee Kara Young Reprises Twelfth Night's Viola Beginning February 11

Classical Theatre of Harlem's Afrofuturistic take on the Shakespeare comedy plays NYU Skirball.

By Leah Putnam

February 11, 2023

Kara Young and Donathan Walters in *Twelfth Night* Richard Termine

The Classical Theatre of Harlem's Afrofuturistic production of Twelfth Night has headed downtown to play NYU Skirball February 11-19. Originally mounted in 2022 at Marcus Garvey Park, the play stars Tony nominee Kara Young reprising the lead role of Viola.

The theatre company's Associate Artistic Director Carl Cofield directs with Tiffany Rea-Fisher as associate director and choreographer. The Shakespeare comedy follows its heroine Viola, who pretends to be a man after being shipwrecked and washing up on the shores of the lively city Illyria. Taking charge of her destiny, Viola works to navigate this new place, find her brother, and not become entangled in love triangles.

Also returning in the cast are William DeMeritt, Carson Elrod, Kat Files, Allen Gilmore, Dennzyl Green, Alisa Gregory, Brynlie Helmich, Madelyn LaLonde, Anthony Lalor, Cassandra Lopez, Collin McConnell, Chivas Michael, Othello Pratt, Jr., Christina Sajous, Donathan Walters, and Zoë Lishinsky.

READ: Kara Young and Carl Cofield Are Bringing Harlem to Shakespeare

“With its Afrofuturistic aesthetic and diverse team of artists, our production of Twelfth Night will tackle the global conversation around equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said director Cofield in an earlier statement. “I look forward to showing audiences what the magical world of Illyria can teach us here and now.”

Reuniting on the creative team are co-fight directors Rick Sordelet and Christian Kelly-Sordelet, scenic designer Riw Rakkulchon, costume designer Mika Eubanks, lighting designer Alan C. Edwards, composer and sound designer Frederick Kennedy, projection designer Brittany Bland, properties designer Samantha Shoffner, and hair and make-up designer Earon Nealey. Jessica Forella is production stage manager and Chris Steckel is stage manager.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem originally presented the production outside at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem July 5-29.

For tickets and more information, visit NYUSkirball.org.

Check out photos of the 2022 open air production in Marcus Garvey Park below.