Meet the cast of King Lear!
Geoffrey
Colton
(King Lear) was seen most recently in Piedmont’s “Tomfoolery”, Ross Valley’s “Ladies of the Camellias”, SF Shakes’ “Romeo & Juliet”, and New Conservatory Theatre’s “Other Desert Cities”. He’s been an understudy for Berkeley Rep and Cal Shakes, where he understudied “Lear” in 2015. Other recent productions include “Candide”, “Relatively Speaking”, and “Sherlock Holmes”. With Lamplighters he’s performed as Major Genera l in “Pirates of Penzance”, Sir Joseph in “HMS Pinafore”, Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady”, Falke in “Die Fledermaus”, Lord Chancellor in “Iolanthe” and more. Other roles: Cervantes/Quixote in “Man of La Mancha”, Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls”, Murray in “A Thousand Clowns”, and roles in “How the Other Half Loves”, “Dracula”, “Private Lives”, and “Chapter II”.
(King Lear) was seen most recently in Piedmont’s “Tomfoolery”, Ross Valley’s “Ladies of the Camellias”, SF Shakes’ “Romeo & Juliet”, and New Conservatory Theatre’s “Other Desert Cities”. He’s been an understudy for Berkeley Rep and Cal Shakes, where he understudied “Lear” in 2015. Other recent productions include “Candide”, “Relatively Speaking”, and “Sherlock Holmes”. With Lamplighters he’s performed as Major Genera l in “Pirates of Penzance”, Sir Joseph in “HMS Pinafore”, Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady”, Falke in “Die Fledermaus”, Lord Chancellor in “Iolanthe” and more. Other roles: Cervantes/Quixote in “Man of La Mancha”, Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls”, Murray in “A Thousand Clowns”, and roles in “How the Other Half Loves”, “Dracula”, “Private Lives”, and “Chapter II”.
Federico Edwards
(Edmund the Bastard, Knight) hails from Brooklyn, New York, and has appeared in many stage productions on both East and West coasts. Most recent appearances were in Theatre of Others presentations of “Cymbeline” (in the title role), Hortensio in “The Taming of the Shrew”, and The Provost in “Measure for Measure’. Federico proudly adds Edmund in "King Lear" to the list of Shakespeare's characters performed with the Ninjaz of Drama including Friar Laurence in “Romeo and Juliet”, Benedick in “Much Ado About Nothing”, the title role of “Othello” and Nick Bottom in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. A proud member of Ninjaz of Drama since 2008, where he debuted as Jason in “Medea”, with subsequent roles as Harry Chester in ‘Beauty and the Beast, Nina and the Monsters”. Charon in “Bon Voyage in “Charon and Sharon”, Buddy in “Buddy-Bing”, and Debussy in “Boozy’s Bride”; and recently made his first directorial effort with “Dancing With Udo” in Vodka with a Dream Chaser and other one-acts.
He wishes love and peace to everyone.
(Edmund the Bastard, Knight) hails from Brooklyn, New York, and has appeared in many stage productions on both East and West coasts. Most recent appearances were in Theatre of Others presentations of “Cymbeline” (in the title role), Hortensio in “The Taming of the Shrew”, and The Provost in “Measure for Measure’. Federico proudly adds Edmund in "King Lear" to the list of Shakespeare's characters performed with the Ninjaz of Drama including Friar Laurence in “Romeo and Juliet”, Benedick in “Much Ado About Nothing”, the title role of “Othello” and Nick Bottom in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. A proud member of Ninjaz of Drama since 2008, where he debuted as Jason in “Medea”, with subsequent roles as Harry Chester in ‘Beauty and the Beast, Nina and the Monsters”. Charon in “Bon Voyage in “Charon and Sharon”, Buddy in “Buddy-Bing”, and Debussy in “Boozy’s Bride”; and recently made his first directorial effort with “Dancing With Udo” in Vodka with a Dream Chaser and other one-acts.
He wishes love and peace to everyone.
Lijesh Krishnan
(Edgar, King of France, Knight) is happy to be in his first Ninjaz show. His recent Shakespeare credits include “Falstaff!” ( Hotspur ) with Actors Ensemble of Berkeley; and “Cymbeline” ( Iachimo ) and Taming of the Shrew ( Tranio ) with Theater of Others, where in July he’ll play Beatrice in a gender-flexible production of “Much Ado About Nothing”. Other roles include “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” ( Jesus ) with Aluminous, “Pride and Prejudice” ( Darcy ) with AEB, “The Understudies” ( Evadne ) with Entitled Theater Co, and - in the Twin Cities – “Killer” Joe ( Joe ) and “The Balcony” ( Envoy ). He thanks Colin for his love and support, and appreciates your coming out to support live theater
(Edgar, King of France, Knight) is happy to be in his first Ninjaz show. His recent Shakespeare credits include “Falstaff!” ( Hotspur ) with Actors Ensemble of Berkeley; and “Cymbeline” ( Iachimo ) and Taming of the Shrew ( Tranio ) with Theater of Others, where in July he’ll play Beatrice in a gender-flexible production of “Much Ado About Nothing”. Other roles include “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” ( Jesus ) with Aluminous, “Pride and Prejudice” ( Darcy ) with AEB, “The Understudies” ( Evadne ) with Entitled Theater Co, and - in the Twin Cities – “Killer” Joe ( Joe ) and “The Balcony” ( Envoy ). He thanks Colin for his love and support, and appreciates your coming out to support live theater
Lynn Sotos
(Goneril, Dance Choregrapher) is honored to play King Lear’s first-born daughter, one of Shakespeare's great female villains, in her latest Bard play with Ninjaz of Drama that includes Nurse in “Romeo and Juliet” and Ursula, Verges in “Much Ado About Nothing”. Recent Shakespearean appearances include Lady Macbeth, The Porter, Hecate, Angus, Soldier in “Macbeth”, Queen Gertrude in “Hamlet”. Some of Lynn's favorite roles have been Nurse Guiness in “Heartbreak House” at AEoBerkeley, Polina in “The Notebook of Trigorin” at Hillbarn Theatre, Lucetta in “The Two Gentleman of Verona” with SF Free Civic Theatre, and Mercy Lott in “Humble Boy” at Ross Valley Players.
(Goneril, Dance Choregrapher) is honored to play King Lear’s first-born daughter, one of Shakespeare's great female villains, in her latest Bard play with Ninjaz of Drama that includes Nurse in “Romeo and Juliet” and Ursula, Verges in “Much Ado About Nothing”. Recent Shakespearean appearances include Lady Macbeth, The Porter, Hecate, Angus, Soldier in “Macbeth”, Queen Gertrude in “Hamlet”. Some of Lynn's favorite roles have been Nurse Guiness in “Heartbreak House” at AEoBerkeley, Polina in “The Notebook of Trigorin” at Hillbarn Theatre, Lucetta in “The Two Gentleman of Verona” with SF Free Civic Theatre, and Mercy Lott in “Humble Boy” at Ross Valley Players.
ShawnJ West
(Earl of Kent, Old Man) has been seen as George in Role Players Ensemble Theatre's production “Of Mice and Men” in Danville, Buckingham in “Richard III” and Pandarus in “Troilus and Cressida” with Impact Theatre. Dogberry in “Much Ado About Nothing”; Gooper in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”; and Sir Hugh Evans in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” with African-American Shakespeare Company. He's enjoyed other fun roles as Belize in “Angels in America; Perestroika”, Gidger in “The Violet Hour”; Raul in “Extremities”; and Robert in “The Exonerated”.
(Earl of Kent, Old Man) has been seen as George in Role Players Ensemble Theatre's production “Of Mice and Men” in Danville, Buckingham in “Richard III” and Pandarus in “Troilus and Cressida” with Impact Theatre. Dogberry in “Much Ado About Nothing”; Gooper in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”; and Sir Hugh Evans in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” with African-American Shakespeare Company. He's enjoyed other fun roles as Belize in “Angels in America; Perestroika”, Gidger in “The Violet Hour”; Raul in “Extremities”; and Robert in “The Exonerated”.
Miranda Hanrahan
(Cordelia, Fool, 3rd Servant) recently graduated from the theatre department at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts in San Francisco. This is her second show at the Phoenix Theatre, after playing Kelly in the world premiere of “Pleiades” here two years ago. A Shakespeare nerd to the bone, she just finished Autolycus in Smith College’s student production of “The Winter’s Tale”, and is happy for the chance to tackle two very different characters in “King Lear”.
(Cordelia, Fool, 3rd Servant) recently graduated from the theatre department at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts in San Francisco. This is her second show at the Phoenix Theatre, after playing Kelly in the world premiere of “Pleiades” here two years ago. A Shakespeare nerd to the bone, she just finished Autolycus in Smith College’s student production of “The Winter’s Tale”, and is happy for the chance to tackle two very different characters in “King Lear”.
Greg Gutting
(Albany, Lear's Gentleman) Fresh off a new found love for the works of William Shakespeare, Greg is thrilled to be working for the second time with the Ninjaz in this epic classic. Greg most recently appeared as First Lord, Gentleman in “Cymbeline”, King Duncan in “Macbeth”, and The Lord in “The Taming of the Shrew”. Other favorite rules include Syd in “Rance McGrew, Secret Agent”, part of the Twilight Zone Episodes at the famed Dark Room Theatre; Ike Mitchell ” in Kathy McCarty's musical “Rivets” aboard the USS Red Oak Victory Ship in Richmond, CA; Seymore Standish in SFFCT's production of “Chains of Dew”, Hofstadt in SFFCT's “An Enemy of the People”; and Guerrila Rep's productions of Hotshot ( as Christian ) and Third Eye: the B-side Monologues ( as Rick ), Real/Not Real ( as Butch Manley ), and the Pet Dog and the Lady ( as Pet Dog ).
(Albany, Lear's Gentleman) Fresh off a new found love for the works of William Shakespeare, Greg is thrilled to be working for the second time with the Ninjaz in this epic classic. Greg most recently appeared as First Lord, Gentleman in “Cymbeline”, King Duncan in “Macbeth”, and The Lord in “The Taming of the Shrew”. Other favorite rules include Syd in “Rance McGrew, Secret Agent”, part of the Twilight Zone Episodes at the famed Dark Room Theatre; Ike Mitchell ” in Kathy McCarty's musical “Rivets” aboard the USS Red Oak Victory Ship in Richmond, CA; Seymore Standish in SFFCT's production of “Chains of Dew”, Hofstadt in SFFCT's “An Enemy of the People”; and Guerrila Rep's productions of Hotshot ( as Christian ) and Third Eye: the B-side Monologues ( as Rick ), Real/Not Real ( as Butch Manley ), and the Pet Dog and the Lady ( as Pet Dog ).
Vicki Zabarte
(Regan, Messenger) makes her debut performance with the Ninjaz of Drama and is thrilled to be on this side of the bay again. East Bay credits include work with Benicia Old Town Theatre Group, Masquers Playhouse, and Pinole Community Players. Some of her favorite roles: Annie Cannon in “Silent Sky” , Mae Pollitt in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, Emily in “The Marriage of Bette and Boo”, Clemencia in “Electricidad”. She sings and dances in musicals as well but doesn’t consider herself a threat. Vicki also has worked behind the scenes as a Stage Manager and Properties Manager.
(Regan, Messenger) makes her debut performance with the Ninjaz of Drama and is thrilled to be on this side of the bay again. East Bay credits include work with Benicia Old Town Theatre Group, Masquers Playhouse, and Pinole Community Players. Some of her favorite roles: Annie Cannon in “Silent Sky” , Mae Pollitt in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, Emily in “The Marriage of Bette and Boo”, Clemencia in “Electricidad”. She sings and dances in musicals as well but doesn’t consider herself a threat. Vicki also has worked behind the scenes as a Stage Manager and Properties Manager.
Terry Kolkey
(Earl of Gloucester) was found on a street corner mumbling incoherently, blindly thrusting his arms into the air while Shaking a Spear towards passing birds. Immediately, we knew he was perfect for the part. As we led him to the theater, he looked at us with unknowing eyes and said: “ Other Desert Cities", " The Crucible", "Hamlet", "Much Ado About Nothing"," To Kill a Hummingbird", "Gaslight", "MacBeth", "Taming of the Shrimp", "The Price"," Judgment at Nuremberg", "Wild Guys", and "Mousetrap"…” those were my dreams, are you taking me to a place where I can dream again?"
(Earl of Gloucester) was found on a street corner mumbling incoherently, blindly thrusting his arms into the air while Shaking a Spear towards passing birds. Immediately, we knew he was perfect for the part. As we led him to the theater, he looked at us with unknowing eyes and said: “ Other Desert Cities", " The Crucible", "Hamlet", "Much Ado About Nothing"," To Kill a Hummingbird", "Gaslight", "MacBeth", "Taming of the Shrimp", "The Price"," Judgment at Nuremberg", "Wild Guys", and "Mousetrap"…” those were my dreams, are you taking me to a place where I can dream again?"
Richard Friedlander
(OSWALD, 2nd Servant) The Theatre came to Richard late, but he has been doing his best to make up for what now seems a terrible omission. In the past three years, he has been in eleven productions in the Bay Area, playing a wide spectrum of characters. His most recent appearance was as the Father in “The Gamester” at the Masquers Playhouse in Point Richmond. His favorite role has been Beverly Weston , the dysfunctional father of a dysfunctional family, in “August: Osage County”, a part he has had the much-appreciated opportunity to play twice: once in the award-winning production at Contra Costa Civic Theater and later, in the Coastal Repertory’s equally-powerful essay into domestic non-bliss. “King Lear” is his first venture into San Francisco and first shot at the Bard.
(OSWALD, 2nd Servant) The Theatre came to Richard late, but he has been doing his best to make up for what now seems a terrible omission. In the past three years, he has been in eleven productions in the Bay Area, playing a wide spectrum of characters. His most recent appearance was as the Father in “The Gamester” at the Masquers Playhouse in Point Richmond. His favorite role has been Beverly Weston , the dysfunctional father of a dysfunctional family, in “August: Osage County”, a part he has had the much-appreciated opportunity to play twice: once in the award-winning production at Contra Costa Civic Theater and later, in the Coastal Repertory’s equally-powerful essay into domestic non-bliss. “King Lear” is his first venture into San Francisco and first shot at the Bard.
Alan Quismorio
(Duke of Cornwall, Doctor) most recently served as Bindlestiff Studio's Artistic Director. Previous to this tenure, he functioned as Artistic Director of AlchemySF at the Jon Sims Center (1999-2004) and with the Asian American Theater Company (AATC) (2008-2010). He oversaw AlchemySF, the emerging playwrights program at the Jon Sims Center, where he developed new works by Bay Area playwrights and produced the award-winning staging of Joe Jennison's "A Beautiful Man" (Best Comedy and Best of Fringe honors at the 2003 SF Fringe). Additional directorial credits include A. Rey Pamatmat's "Thunder Above, Deeps Below," Jeffrey Lo's "A Kind of Sad Love Story," and Jon Robin Baitz's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler". He has worked extensively in the SF Bay Area, with the Magic Theatre, Oakland Public Theatre, Brava! Women in the Arts, the Shotgun Players, and Word for Word. He is also an alumni of Crowded Fire Theater Company.
(Duke of Cornwall, Doctor) most recently served as Bindlestiff Studio's Artistic Director. Previous to this tenure, he functioned as Artistic Director of AlchemySF at the Jon Sims Center (1999-2004) and with the Asian American Theater Company (AATC) (2008-2010). He oversaw AlchemySF, the emerging playwrights program at the Jon Sims Center, where he developed new works by Bay Area playwrights and produced the award-winning staging of Joe Jennison's "A Beautiful Man" (Best Comedy and Best of Fringe honors at the 2003 SF Fringe). Additional directorial credits include A. Rey Pamatmat's "Thunder Above, Deeps Below," Jeffrey Lo's "A Kind of Sad Love Story," and Jon Robin Baitz's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler". He has worked extensively in the SF Bay Area, with the Magic Theatre, Oakland Public Theatre, Brava! Women in the Arts, the Shotgun Players, and Word for Word. He is also an alumni of Crowded Fire Theater Company.
Paul Seliga (Production Stage Manager) has been stage manager for Catchy Name Theater, Pacifica Spindrift Players, Ninjaz of Drama, Netgeex, Brisk Weather, Subterranean Shakespeare, Faultline Theater, SF City Theater, and Theater of Others. He is a founding member of the 16th Street Players and directed their first production, "Bigger Than Life" in 2009. Last December he both stage-managed and perfomed on-stage as Charon, the Ferryman of Hades in Rey Carolino’s horror-comedy ”Beauty and the Beast vs the Zombies of Doom!” In the coming Fall, Paul will be directing “The Medicine Cabinet”: 5 one-act plays, presented by The Unknown Players.
Rey Carolino (Director, Producer, Ensemble) is a San Francisco native and has been active in theatre for over 25 years as a actor, singer, playwright, director, and producer. He’s directed and produced: Tennessee Williams’ “Vieux Carre” and “A Streetcar Named Desire, “Medea” by Euripedes, William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Nights Dream", "Othello the Moor of Venice", "Twelfth Night", "Much Ado About Nothing", Ro`meo and Juliet"; with a number of his own stage works notably “Salome and the Girls, "Acts of Life, Love, and Lunacy", and "The Passion of Soeur Marthe”. He’s also produced “The Lady’s Not for Burning” by Christopher Fry, and co-produced “Shaken Not Stirred”, one-act plays by Larry Rekow. When not doing theatre he ponders, with passion, a normal life.
