Richard III
by William Shakespeare
Turn on the news. What do you see? Politicians manipulating public opinion to gain power, resources stripped bare, buildings crumbled, land decays, violence, and murder. This seems to be the world around us but this is the world of Richard III, William Shakespeare's grimly engaging take on the ruthlessness of people intent on their goals and personal gain. Richard III will be presented to a live audience with limited seating and via online live-streaming by Sam Houston State University's Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre March 3-6, 2021. Live performances run March 3-6, 2021 with 7:30 p.m. showings each evening as well as a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee option. Online streaming options will be available March 3-6. Richard III is directed by Penny Hasekoester.
Richard III is one of William Shakespeare's earliest history plays, and the first history play where we see his full maturity as a playwright emerging in his depiction of the central character's downfall. The central character is possessed by a 'vaulting ambition' to be King, an ambition which will prove to be his downfall once he has gained the throne. After the 'winter of discontent' has given way to a 'glorious summer,' Edward, of the royal house of York, is ruling securely as King of England. Edward's brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, misshapen, 'not made for sportive tricks', and spurned by romance, realizes that the only pleasure he will get from life is through gaining power - and, ultimately, the throne. So Richard plots his bloody journey to the crown.
The words and characters Shakespeare created four hundred years ago feel almost prophetic with respect to current events, and that makes the show and its self-proclaimed villain all the more terrifying. Director Penny Hasekoester wants the play to be contemporary and expose how today's dictatorships are reflected in Richard III. In describing the play, she says, "A country under siege, civil unrest, brother vs brother, bloody coups and a master puppeteer pulling the strings to assure that he will secure the crown for himself. America in 2020/2021? No-William Shakespeare's King Richard III. Richard of Gloucester's rise to power and eventual fall from grace during the War of the Roses changed the direction of the British monarchy."
Seemingly caught up in British history, Richard III may not be easy for an American audience to follow, but this historical tale is less like a history lesson and more like thought-provoking entertainment. It holds us with the suspense of seeing what fiendish new villainy the protagonist is willing to commit. As the old adage goes: 'If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it.'
Tickets for in person attendance or to view the online stream are $12 in advance, $15 on or after opening night. Ticket sales begin February 15. Online streaming requires a high-speed internet connection and a modern web browser. Stream is a live feed only; ticket purchase does not provide on demand access. Please visit http://www.shsutickets.com for details on either viewing option as well as our updated FAQ page. For ticketing questions, please email the box office at tickets@shsu.edu or call us at 936-294-2339. Streaming platform hosted by ShowTix4U.com.
Meet the Cast
Victor Flores
Richard of Gloucester
Victor is a senior theatre major from Cypress, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as Miles/Evil Miles in She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms, Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank and as Don Adriano De Armado in Love’s Labour’s Lost. Victor was recently cast as Anibal De La Luna in SHSU’s scheduled Spring 2020 production of Cloud Tectonics. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances this production was suspended. At other institutions, he has appeared as Vershinin in Three Sisters, Jean in Rhinoceros, and Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd. Upon graduation, Victor plans to pursue a career in acting.
Robert Bunn
Lord Buckingham
Robert is a junior theatre major from Magnolia, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as the assistant director for Sonnets for an Old Century, a Somebody in Everybody, Peter Van Pels in The Diary of Anne Frank, Vic in Our Lady of 121st Street and as Oscar in Sweat. At other institutions, he has appeared as Judge Charlie Cool in The Grass Harp, Robert Conklin in The Rimers of Eldritch, and Roger in The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket. Upon graduation, Robert plans to pursue a career in acting.
MaKenzie Eddins
Queen Anne
MaKenzie is a senior musical theatre major from Dallas, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as the Old Lady/Hooker in Violet, Erica in Bright Half Life, Edith Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, and as Witch #7 in A Macbeth. At other institutions, she has appeared as Nautica in Bring It On: The Musical, Violet in Violet Sharp, and Lindsay in Godspell. Upon graduation, MaKenzie plans to pursue a career in film, directing and scenic design.
Dinah Ndu
Queen Margaret
Dinah is a junior musical theatre major from Missouri City, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Farrah/Evil Gabbi/Gabbi She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms, Miss de Bourgh in Pride & Prejudice. At other institutions, she has appeared as King Arthur in Spamalot, Chick Boyle in Crimes of the Heart and as Clara Brown/Detective Biederman in Ghost: The Musical. Upon graduation, Dinah plans to pursue a career in musical theatre and directing.
Essence Fontenot
Queen Elizabeth
Essence is a senior theatre major from Jennings, LA. SHSU audiences may remember her as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century, Death in Everybody, and The Princess in Love’s Labour’s Lost. At other institutions, she has appeared as Mrs. Potts in Beauty & The Beast. Upon graduation, Essence plans to pursue a career in directing.
Kelsea Henderson
Duchess of York
Kelsea is a senior theatre major from Houston, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Tracey in Sweat, a Swing in Everybody, and as Holofernes in Love’s Labour’s Lost. At other institutions, she has appeared as Mrs. Beaureguarde in Mary Poppins, and an ensemble member in Les Misérables. Upon graduation, Kelsea plans to pursue a career in acting and directing.
Tucker Luedecke
Keeper/Citizen/Richmond
Tucker is a senior theatre major from College Station, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century the Usher/God/Understanding in Everybody, and Father Lux in Our Lady of 121st Street. Tucker was most recently cast as East/Lendall/Randy/Dave in SHSU’s scheduled Spring 2020 production of Almost, Maine. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances this production was suspended. At other institutions, he has appeared as Quintin in After the Fall, Brabanito in Othello, and as Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing. Upon graduation, Tucker plans to pursue a career in acting.
Zach Marullo
Clarence/Citizen 3/Blunt + Others
Zach is a junior theatre major from Needville, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century, a Swing in Everybody and as Ferdinand in Love’s Labour’s Lost. Upon graduation, Zach plans to pursue a career in acting and directing.
Adam Harkay
King Edward + Others
Adam is a junior musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as Chuck in She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms. At other institutions, he has appeared as Arthur Kipps in The Woman in Black, Mr. Cladwell in Urinetown, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. In addition to his performance credits, Adam was employed as the Director of High School Theatre for the Houston Independent School District. Upon graduation, Adam plans to pursue a career in directing, teaching and performance.
Talor Arnett
Murderer 1/Citizen 2/Tyrell + Others
Talor is a senior musical theatre major from Cypress, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as John Hinkley in Assassins, and as an ensemble member in Footloose. He has performed as Wilhel Von Cleve with the Texas Renaissance Festival and as appeared at other institutions as Rich in Be More Chill. Upon graduation, Talor plans to pursue a career in acting.
Mac Hardy
Murderer 2/Lord Mayor + Others
Mac is a junior musical theatre major from Spring, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century as well as an ensemble member for Heathers. In addition, while at SHSU Mac was the assistant stage manager for Silence, and the light board operator for The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time. At other institutions, she has appeared as JoJo in Seussical The Musical, Miss Skillon in See How They Run, and as Nan/Sally in Quilters. Upon graduation, Mac plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Michael J. Bowman
Lord Hastings
Michael is a senior theatre major from Houston, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as Orcus, Demon Lord of the Underworld/Ronnie in She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms,
Mary in Pride & Prejudice, and Berowne in Love’s Labour’s Lost. At other institutions he has appeared Johnnypateenmike in The Cripple of Inishmaan, Lloyd Dallas in Noises Off!, and as Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Upon graduation, Michael plans to pursue a career in voice acting and directing.
Anthony Quinn Berry
Stanley, Earl of Derby + Others
Anthony Quinn is a senior theatre major from Conroe, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century, Boyet in Love Labour’s Lost, Brucie in Sweat, and as Somebody in Everybody, and Anthony in I and You. At other institutions, he has appeared as Jesus in Funnyhouse of a Negro, Peter in Company, and Old Man Strong/Senator Fipp in Urinetown. Upon graduation, Quinn plans to pursue a career in acting and directing.
Kodi James
Brakenbury/Citizen + Others
Kodi is a junior theatre major from Wharton, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, he has appeared as Britt in Six Shooter, the Monster in Young Frankenstein, Steve/Beverly in August: Osage County, and as Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy. Upon graduation, Kodi plans to pursue a career in acting and directing.
Alexander Kerry
Catesby + Others
Alex is a junior musical theatre from Cypress, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as the Father in Violet, and as an ensemble member in Assassins. At other institutions, he has appeared as Melchior in Spring Awakening, Gomez in The Addams Family, and as Billy White in Carrie The Musical. Upon graduation, Alex plans to pursue a career in acting.
Chance Caldwell
Marquess of Dorset/Sheriff + Others
Chance is a senior theatre major from Houston, Texas. His SHSU credits include, costume crew for Everybody and Assistant Stage Manager for Violet. At other institutions, he has appeared as O’Brien in 1984, and as Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Upon graduation, Chance plans to pursue a career in acting, directing, and teaching.
Drew Ritch
Lord Rivers
Drew is a sophomore musical theatre major from Cypress, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him Virgil/Billy Dean/Ensemble in Violet, and as Boy/Peter in Dust. At other institutions, he has appeared as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, and as Ren McCormack in Footloose. Upon graduation, Drew plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Paige Klase
Daughter of Clarence/Messenger 1/Citizen + Others
Paige is a freshman theatre major from Sugar Land, Texas. This is her debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, she has appeared as Donna in Mamma Mia! and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical The Musical. Upon graduation, Paige plans to pursue a career in acting.
Elizbeth Cooper
Archbishop//Cardinal/Priest/Scrivener + Others
Elizabeth is a freshman musical theatre major from Spring, Texas. This is her debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, she has appeared as Sarah in Children of a Lesser God, the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and as Sandra Bloom in Big Fish. Upon graduation, Elizabeth plans to pursue a career in musical theatre and directing.
Bryce Ray
Prince/Messenger 2 + Others
Bryce is a junior musical theatre major from Georgetown, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, he has appeared as Arpad in She Loves Me, and as an ensemble member in The Little Mermaid and Annie Get Your Gun. Upon graduation, Bryce plans to pursue a career in acting, writing and dance.
Bryce Keesee-Lourigan
Young Prince Edward/Messenger 2
Mitchell Bauer
Citizen 1/Duke of York/Messenger 4 + Others
Mitchell is a junior theatre major from Friendswood, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, he has participated in Les Misérables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Romeo & Juliet. Upon graduation, Mitchell plans to pursue a career in acting.
Hélios Sirias
Ratliffe/Pursuivant + Others
Hélios is a senior theatre major from Houston, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember them as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century, Longaville in Love’s Labour’s Lost, and as #2 in The Wolves. At other institutions, they have appeared as Fiona in Shrek: The Musical. Upon graduation, Hélios plans to pursue a career in acting, directing and drama therapy.
Trace Vaughn
Son of Clarence/Messenger 3/Page + Others
Trace is a junior theatre major from Sugar Land, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, he has appeared as Hermes in Metamorphoses, Farby in R.U.R., and as Mr. Northbrook in Mary Poppins. Upon graduation, Trace plans to pursue a career in acting and playwrighting.
Production Team
Director - Penny Hasekoester
Costume Design - Kristina Hanssen
Sound Design - Isaiah Parnell
Scenic Design - Ben Stacher & Nicolas Graves
Technical Director - Craig Brossman
Properties - Charly Topper
Fight Director - Kevin Crouch
Assistant Fight Directors - Mari Tortorice & Victor Flores
Vocal Coach - Sofia Jean Gomez
Theatre Manager - Katie Prior
Box Office Manager - JB Shields
Video Producer - Jonathan Read
Video Director - Christabel Munoz
Video Tech Director - Austin McComb
Camera - Briana Jefferson, Anthony Kambiss, Christian Nicholson, Andrew Vannes
Makenna Hamm
Stage Manager
Makenna is a sophomore theatre major from Spring, Texas. SHSU credits include Stage Manager for She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms, and Assistant Stage Manager for Assassins. Makenna was recently named as the stage manager for SHSU’s scheduled Spring 2020 production of In a Word. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances this production was suspended. Upon graduation, Makenna plans to pursue a career in stage management.
Tyler Bruffett
Assistant Stage Manager
Tyler is a junior musical theatre major from College Station, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, he has appeared as Lonny Barnett in Rock of Ages and as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes. Upon graduation, Tyler plans to pursue a career in acting and directing.
Grace Maynard
Assistant Stage Manager
Grace is a junior theatre major from Houston, Texas. Her SHSU credits include run crew for Sweat. At other institutions, she has appeared as Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, Trix in The Drowsy Chaperone and was the Stage Manager for Awake and Sing! Upon graduation, Grace plans to pursue a career in education.
Reese Reynolds
Assistant Stage Manager
Reese is a junior theatre major from Pearland, Texas. Her SHSU credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Violet. At other institutions, she has appeared as the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins, Clara Claus in Santa’s Christmas Magic, and as a member of the ensemble in Our Town. Upon graduation, Reese plans to pursue a career in teaching and directing.
Benjamin Stacher
Lighting Designer/Assistant Scenic Designer
Ben is senior design technology major from Austin, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember his work as the lighting designer for Sonnets for an Old Century, Sweat, and Everybody, the assistant lighting designer for Footloose, the scenic designer for The Mountaintop and Eleemosynary, the lighting designer for Actually, the assistant lighting designer for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Pippin. At other institutions, he was the lighting designer for The Drowning Girls, Front and The Who’s Tommy and the assistant electrician for Sister Act. Upon graduation, Ben plans to pursue a career design.
Jay Salazar
Assistant Sound Designer
Jay is a junior theatre major from Pasadena, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her work as the sound designer for Pride & Prejudice, The Mountaintop, and The Wolves as well as the associate sound designer for She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms. At other institutions, she was the sound designer/engineer for South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and Anna in the Tropics. Upon graduation, Jay plans to pursue a career in design.