A comic collision directed by Ryan Rilette

(New Orleans)—A new and hilarious comedy will be the second fall production of the Loyola Department of Drama and Speech. Shakespeare in Hollywood by Ken Ludwig will play in Marquette Theatre on November 5-13. It will be directed by Ryan Rilette. Mr. Rilette, a Loyola alumnus, is the Artistic Director of Southern Rep Theatre.

The story is a highly entertaining blend of nostalgia, farce, and Hollywood lore. It is 1934 at Warner Brothers motion picture studio. Max Reinhardt is directing a film version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When he loses the film’s leading men, a flash of madcap magic allows the real Oberon and Puck to play themselves on the silver screen. The result is a comic collision – Shakespeare’s spirits mingle with Hollywood’s elite, don sunglasses, fall in love, and get caught up in the affairs of mere mortals.

“It’s an incredibly fun show to work on – reminiscent of a screwball comedy from the 1930s. There’s lots of shtick, pratfalls, magic and a little Shakespeare thrown in for fun… what’s not to love!,” says Rillette.

Shakespeare in Hollywood will run in Marquette Theatre, 6363 St. Charles Ave., on November 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 8pm, and November 7 at 2pm. Tickets are $12 general admission, $7 for students and seniors. Group rates are available. For more information, call 865-3824.