Since its debut at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre’s PlayFest in early 2009, “The Chimes” has been called one of the area’s Top 20 can’t-miss cultural events this fall.
The play, written by Central Florida native Kevin Christopher Snipes, tells the story of four teenage boys at a New England boarding school on the eve of World War II. They are brought together by their love of Shakespeare and torn apart by the impending war.
“The Chimes” opens this week as a full-scale production with many of last year’s cast members. The play, in the Black Box Theatre on UCF’s Orlando campus, runs from Thursday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 10.
“’The Chimes’ rings out to remind us that unless a stand is taken, ignorance and hatred can rule not only an institution of higher education, but an entire civilization,” said director David Lee, an assistant professor of Theatre at UCF.
The cast combines the talents of several UCF Theatre students with three professional actors: Mark Brotherton, a UCF Theatre faculty member, Bob Dolan and noted film actor Tom Nowicki. Please note that this show includes adult themes and brief nudity.
Performances of “The Chimes” will be Thursdays through Saturdays from Sept. 23 until Oct. 9. A Sunday matinee performance will be Oct. 10.
All shows begin at 8 p.m., except for the Sunday matinee, which will start at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students with their ID. Reservations are recommended and available through the UCF Conservatory Theatre box office at 407-823-1500. Group rates are available. The box office can assist with accommodations for patrons with disabilities.
Read more about the production on Snipes’ blog and visit the UCF Conservatory Theatre website to see listings for the rest of the 2010-11 season.