‘Julius Caesar’ coming to North Central College for one night

Chicago-area theatergoers can see some of the nation’s top acting talent when The Acting Company in association with The Guthrie Theater present William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” Feb. 11 at North Central College.

The performance begins at 8 p.m. in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $40, $35 and $25; call the box office at (630) 637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

“Julius Caesar” is a classic story of pride and envy, arrogance and honor, opportunity and tragic strategic errors. Written during one of the most productive times of Shakespeare’s life, “Julius Caesar” blends the historic events of the reign of this iconic Roman emperor with tragic elements and compelling language. Its themes of political intrigue ring true to this day.

“In the 1980s and 1990s, every election was peppered with reports of voter apathy,” director Rob Melrose says. “The intense passion that now permeates our politics and threatens to divide our country make this a perfect time to reexamine Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ — a play that looks at what happens when political convictions create conflict and sometimes tragic upheaval.”

The touring production features a cast of 11 actors, each with extensive professional experience. Since its founding in 1972 by the legendary John Houseman and current Producing Artistic Director Margot Harley, The Acting Company has performed 136 productions, touring to 48 states and 10 foreign countries.

It is now among the most respected and praised touring repertory theaters in America and has been the recipient of multiple Obie, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and Audelco Awards and is a Tony Award honoree for Excellence in Theater. Visit theactingcompany.org to learn more.

The Acting Company is presenting “Julius Caesar” in association with The Guthrie Theater, which is based in Minneapolis and was founded by Sir Tyrone Guthrie in 1963. The Guthrie is one of America’s leading regional theaters and is widely recognized as an American center for theater performance, production and professional training.

USG Corporation and Navistar, Inc. are underwriting sponsors of North Central College’s 2011-12 Sesquicentennial Fine & Performing Arts Season. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and lectures, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).