WHERE
The Rollins Theater
Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W Riverside Drive
Austin, Texas 78704
WHEN
February 17 - 25, 2024 - Thur-Sat @ 7:30 pm, Sun @ 3:00 pm
O. HENRY STORIES
Directed by Ann CiccolellA
Known for his surprise twist endings, O. Henry lived in Austin until his mid-30s when the city was lively with turn of the 19th century entertainments.
O. Henry Stories will be spiced by some live lighthearted music of the period as well as tap dance, polka and waltz. The stories were adapted for the stage by Austin Shakespeare Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella.
Will Porter took the name O. Henry when he moved to New York, and he wrote more than 400 stories there that are among the most celebrated ever. Bringing his inimitable characters alive on stage is a sheer delight.
- Ann Ciccolella
The romantic and colorful stories include Cupid A La Carte, Pimienta Pancakes, Witches’ Loaves, The Cop and the Anthem, The Ransom of Red Chief, To Him Who Waits, The Last Leaf, A Retrieved Reformation and The Gift of the Magi.
The actors, who play a range of comic characters from cowboys to con-men, include many who are among the very best to have appeared with the professional company before: Ev Lunning, Tim Blackwood, Sue Breland, Corinna Browning, Andrew Matthews, Chuck Winkler, Maureen Slabaugh and Emily Green. New to the company are Peter Shine, who recently moved from Ireland, and young Lucas Schwartz, age 11.
“The Gift of the Magi” stars Shane Cullum, who appeared previously in Austin Shakespeare's production of The Real Thing; and Courtney Kilmer, in her first appearance with the company.
Creative Team
Boisterous fight choreography will be designed by the award-winning Tobie Minor. Imaginative scenic projections will be supplied by L.B. Bartholomee. Jaunty colorful costumes from the 1880s to 1920s will be designed by Cecilia Gay. Atmospheric lighting by Resident Lighting Designer Patrick W. Anthony.