'Measure for Measure' Cast Announced

Caroline Dopson and Alex Gomez in "Measure for Measure"

JUPITER, Fla. (June 8, 2023) The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival today announced its cast line up for this summer’s Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII and Shakespeare by the Palms III production of William Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure.” The free, outdoor Shakespeare by the Sea is presented in partnership with Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation on July 6 – 9 and July 13 – 16 at the Seabreeze Amphitheatre in Carlin Park, Jupiter. The encore performance of Shakespeare by the Palms is co-presented by The Village of Royal Palm Beach on July 20 – 23. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. with performances starting at 8 p.m. each evening. A donation of $5 per person  is suggested.

Forming the cast this year are Shakespeare Festival veterans Darryl Willis as the Duke and Matthew Connor Paszkiet as Lucio. The role of Isabella will be performed by Festival newcomer Caroline Dopson. Additional newcomers to the Shakespeare Festival include Alex Gomez as Angelo; Emma McAvoy as Juliet/Mariana; Patrick Price in the roles of Pompey Bum/Friar Thomas; Amy Coker as Provost; Kyler O’Brien as Claudio/Froth; Laurie Tanner as Mistress Overdone/Francesca; and Casey McNamara as Elbow/ Barnardine. Rounding out the cast are returning performers Jeremy Wershoven as Escalus/Abhorson and Nat Calberg-Cona as Novice. 
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“While ‘Measure for Measure’ isn’t produced quite as much as Shakespeare’s other comedies, its production history seems to coincide with societal examinations of sexuality, morality, mercy and justice,” says Festival Artistic Director Trent Stephens. “Like any good play, it posits more questions than answers, but the representation of these nuanced issues, coupled with a jocular sense of humor, offers audiences space to ponder these matters in a playful way.” 

“Measure for Measure” opens as vice is running rampant in the city, and the Duke has set off on mysterious business, leaving the affairs of state to his trusted minister, Angelo, with instructions to enforce discipline as he sees fit. Quickly, Angelo takes that enforcement to extremes, and when young Claudio is arrested it falls to Claudio’s friend Lucio to send help in the form of Sister Isabella. When the price of Angelo’s freedom is not what Isabella is willing to pay, the Duke comes up with a plan to save Claudio while revealing Angelo’s hypocrisy.

The Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII production of “Measure for Measure” takes place July 6- 9 and 13 – 16 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Carlin Park, located at 750 South, Florida A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477

The Shakespeare by the Palms III encore production of “Measure for Measure” takes place July 20 – 23 at the Commons Park Amphitheater in Commons Park, located at 11600 Poinciana Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.

Performances start at 8 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. with a 15-minute intermission. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring a beach chair, blanket, and picnic basket. Mr. Shrimp’s Food Truck will be on-site in Carlin Park. Concessions will also be available at Commons Park. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person. 

Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII is a co-production of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival, Inc. and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation. Grant funding is provided by the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Publix Supermarket Charities, and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County through the Board of County Commissioners. Shakespeare by the Palms III is a co-production with The Village of Royal Palm Beach. Additional sponsors include Gary and Katherine Parr, Frank Cona and Lisa Calberg and an anonymous donor.  In-kind sponsors include The Benjamin School, Florida Weekly, Palm Beach Atlantic University and Ideal Nutrition. Private and corporate sponsorships are still available. To learn more about sponsor opportunities, please email [email protected]. ​