JULIUS WEEZER by Carol Kaufman Segal

            It is difficult to believe that the Troubadour Theater Company recently opened a production at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood marking their silver anniversary – (believe it or not) 25 years of bringing uproarious musical comedy to fervent Troubie audiences.

            This time they have hit upon Shakespeare with their latest world premiere of, Julius Weever a take-off of you know who!  This latest musical parody is directed and adapted by the company’s Artistic Director Matt Walker, who also plays the role of Cassius.  Joining him in this hysterical romp is Rick Batalla (Decius, Lucius), Joseph Leo Bwarie (Octavius Caesar), Victoria Hoffman (Portia), Beth Kennedy (Metellus, Calpurnia), Matt Mecrhant (Marcus Antonius), Bob Nage Brutu)Suzanne Jolie Narbonne (Servant to Cleopatra/Cup Bearer), Andy Robinson (Julius Caesar), Morgan Rusler (Cinna, Cinna Te Poet, Soothsayer), Mike Sulprizio (Casca), Cloie Wyatt Taylor (Cleopatra), and David C. Wright (Trebonius/Servant to Caesar).

            If you took the time to read all of these characters, you might ask, “What in heaven’s name is Cleopatra doing in this take-off?”  Well, that’s the Troubies for you.  Don’t ask me.  Just enjoy this crazy romp through 90 minutes of fun and laughter with music, singing, comedy, and even part circus.  Oh, I almost forgot, you’ll be rockin’ to some of that music as well.   A five-piece band includes Ryan Whyman (keyboard), Derick Finely (drums), Mikala Schmitz (cello), Mike Abraham (guitar), and Blake Etrada (bass). 

            Julius Weever runs Friday, May 10, 8 PM, Friday May 17, 8 PM, Saturday, May 18, 4 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday, May 19, 4 PM, at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd.  Tickets are available online at www.elportaltheatre.com, or by calling the box office at (818) 508-4200 or (866) 811-4111. 

ABOUT THE TROUBDOUR THEATER COMPANY

“Troubadour Theater Company is a free-wheeling, no holds barred, Commedia Del-Arte flavored, slapstick driven Los Angeles based ensemble of actors, musicians, and comedians that has been performing for audiences throughout Southern California and beyond since 1995.  Their fast-paced, laugh-filled, loose adaptations (some of the lines are still there) of classic plays, literature and film, as well as their original productions and hilarious sketch material, make this company a unique and exciting experience for theater-goers of any age.  For more information on the Troubies, visit www.troubie,com or Instagram @thetroubies and Facebook at www.facebook,com/troubadoourtheatrecompany. ”