Larry Yando to Star in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's King Lear

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has announced details for its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's King Lear, directed by CST founder and artistic director Barbara Gaines. The play will open Chicago Shakespeare’s 2014-15 season in the Courtyard Theater and run from September 9-November 9.

Chicago theater favorite Larry Yando will step into the title role. Additional casting includes Ross Lehman as the Fool, Nehassaiu deGannes as Cordelia, Bianca LaVerne Jones as Goneril, Jessiee Datino as Regan, Kevin Gudahl as the Earl of Kent, Michael Aaron Lindner as the Earl of Gloucester, Jesse Luken as Edmund, Steve Haggard as Edgar, Lance Baker as the Duke of Cornwall, and Nathan Hosner as the Duke of Albany.

The cast also features Fred Geyer (Oswald), John Byrnes (Duke of Burgundy), Chris Chmelik (King of France), David Lively (Old Man) and Evan Michalic (Ensemble). The ensemble features Eve Bowman, Maddie Burke, Angela Caravaglia, Ethan Eichenbaum, Haleigh Hutchinson, Alex Moerer, Sean Michael Mohler, Meghan O’Neill, Richard Pizarro, Becca Sheehan, Alison Smith, Elena Tubridy, Abram Vences, Mark Yacullo, and Ilse Yafte Zacharias.

The creative team includes costume designer Mark Bailey, lighting designer Michael Gend, sound designer Lindsay Jones, fight choreographer Matt Hawkins, and wig and makeup designer Melissa Veal.

Gaines' take on this classic story of love, loss, and reconciliation is described as "for our times," and "especially relevant as today’s generation wrestles with the harrowing effects of aging on loved ones." The music of Frank Sinatra is woven throughout the show.

For more information and tickets, click here.