Shakespeare's Julius Caesar takes center stage in Forest Hills church

The Gingerbread Players of Forest Hills will stage an immersive adaptation of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in the historic St. Luke's Church starting in early November. The production moves the ancient Roman drama out of a traditional proscenium stage and into the space surrounding the audience.

Audience members will find themselves seated among the actors, who will interact with them directly. The performers wear modern clothing inspired by funeral dress, blurring the line between observers and citizens of Rome. This format is designed to make the cycle of ambition, power, and violence feel immediate and personal.

Andrew Dinan plays the title role of Julius Caesar. His character ignores a warning from a soothsayer, played by Farah Diaz-Tello, to beware the Ides of March. That arrogance makes him vulnerable to a conspiracy led by Cassius, portrayed by Tiffany McCue, and Brutus, played by Martin Challinor.

The plot follows the fallout from Caesar's assassination. Mark Antony, played by John Galligan, delivers a funeral oration that turns the Roman people against the conspirators. Caesar's nephew and heir, Octavius, is played by Gabby Fidis. Antony and Octavius form an uneasy alliance to battle for the future of Rome.

The cast includes Ted Birke, Melody Chan, Beverly Daros, Bart Definna, Mike Miller, Suzanne Schick, Lauren Snyder, Shelia Spencer, and Heather Violanti. William Franzel directs the production.

There will be four performances at St. Luke's Church, located at 85 Greenway South in Forest Hills. The first two showings occur on Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 8, at 2:30 p.m. The second pair of performances takes place on Saturday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, at 2:30 p.m.

General admission tickets cost $20. Seniors can purchase tickets for $15. Tickets are available for purchase at gingerbreadplayers.org.