Miami Theater Center Announces Full Casting for THE LOVE OF THREE ORANGES

Miami Theater Center announces the addition of renowned performer Shaneeka Harrell to the cast of its production of The Love of Three Oranges. This colorful, dynamic interpretation of Count Carlo Gozzi's 18^th-century tale was adapted by MTC Artistic Director Stephanie Ansin, who also directs this production. The performances, recommended for ages six and up, run from January 30, 2013 to March 10, 2013. All performances take place at MTC, located at 9806 NE 2^nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33138. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at mtcmiami.org or at 305-751-9550.

This January marks not only the return of the acclaimed production of MTC's The Love of Three Oranges, but alsoan important moment in MTC performance history. "MTC has developed a reputation for its outstanding-quality productions, but having Shaneeka join the cast raises the bar even higher," said Artistic Director Stephanie Ansin. "Shaneeka is really at the top of the field, having worked on Broadway and as an assistant choreographer with Bill T. Jones. From the first moment of her audition, she blew us away. It usually takes a few weeks of rehearsal for actors to master the physicality of our roles, but she walked in already able to execute the hardest choreography - and the headstand! So we've been able to focus her rehearsal time on the nuances of her multiple characters - and the process of transitioning among them," said Ansin.

Harrell joins a cast of eight other outstanding actors, several who are familiar to MTC audiences, including South Florida theater veteran Steve Gladstone, who was an original cast member of MTC's The Love of Three Oranges; TRoy Davidson, who appeared as Prince Tartaglia in MTC's 2011 production; and Diana Garle, Nikki Lowe, and Jeremiah Musgrove, who appeared in MTC's new adaptation of Three Sisters in fall 2012. Cast members making their MTC debuts this January include Donald Paul; Christina Breza; and Luckner "Lucky" Bruno, Jr., an international circus performer.

The Love of Three Oranges follows the incredible, hilarious journey of Prince Tartaglia. At the beginning of the play, the audience learns that he has been sick for ten years. He has tried every treatment imaginable, but nothing makes him feel better. Finally, a pair of strange doctors reveals a possible cure: laughter. The king hires a famous comedian named Truffaldino to perform at the palace, but as soon as the prince laughs, an evil witch curses him, making him wander the world feverishly searching for three mysterious oranges. A good wizard helps Tartaglia overcome several obstacles on his way to finding the oranges, and the prince returns home with much more than fruit.

Building on the momentum generated from The Love of Three Oranges, MTC is looking forward to seeing more of Harrell, who plans to return to Miami Theater Center this spring to join the cast of Stephanie Ansin and Fernando Calzadilla's Inanna and the Huluppu Tree.

The Love of Three Oranges runs from Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 through Sunday, March 10, 2013. Performances are on weekdays (Tuesday through Friday) at 10am, Saturdays at 7pm, and Sundays at 2pm.

All performances are at Miami Theater Center, located at 9806 NE 2^nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33138. Tickets are $20 each and discounted tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. To purchase, call 305-751-9550 or visit mtcmiami.org.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Stephanie Ansin, Miami Theater Center (MTC) produces classical and contemporary works that entertain and educate audiences and artists of all ages and abilities. MTC programs include MTCperformance, innovative theater, dance and music for all ages and abilities; MTCtraining, learning opportunities for performers, theater technicians, arts administrators, and members of the public who want to explore and develop their creativity through movement, theater, improvisation, and more; MTCplayground, which offers camps and workshops for children at our venue and beyond; and MTCfilm, independent, foreign, family and art films presented in partnership with O Cinema. For more information, call 305-751-9550 or visit mtcmiami.org.

Shaneeka Harrell was an original cast member of Fela! on Broadway and The Seven in La Jolla, CA. She was also Assistant Choreographer to Bill T. Jones on The Seven at New York Theater Workshop in New York City. Shaneeka performed with world-renowned contemporary dance company Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company from 2002 to 2007. She has also performed with New York City-based dance troupe Urban Bush Women. Shaneeka was born and raised in Miami, Florida.