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CORVALLIS - The Oregon State University Theatre will present "Measure for Measure" in May, a Shakespearean dark comedy that arguably contains some of the finest dramatic poetry the bard ever penned.

Performances are scheduled May 14-16 and May 21-23 at OSU's Withycombe Hall Theater. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

Written in the early 1600s, "Measure for Measure" contains issues that modern audiences could find on the front page of contemporary newspapers. Set in Vienna, "Measure" looks at the plight of Isabella, who faces the choice of sleeping with a man to save her brother, or preserving her chastity and having her beloved brother die.

Renee Sher, a freshman from Tigard majoring in merchandising management, portrays Isabella. Playing the role of Angelo, who forces Isabella to make her gut-wrenching decision, is Nick Levine, a junior anthropology major from Buffalo Grove, Ill.

This will be the fourth Shakespearean production at OSU this year in what the University Theatre is calling its Season of Shakespeare. Earlier productions were "The Comedy of Errors,""Titus Andronicus," and "Romeo and Juliet."

Of the four plays, the University Theatre faculty made the decision to produce "Measure for Measure" with the greatest commitment to the period, particularly in costume design. Marie Chesley has designed intricate costumes for the play, matching the Elizabethan stage designed by Richard George.

The play also is unusual for another reason, says director Charlotte Headrick. This is the largest number of engineering students and faculty she's ever had in a cast.

"You don't get many chances to act in Shakespeare," said Aaron Manley, a senior engineering major from Eugene who portrays Claudio. "It's a great escape from engineering."

Tickets for "Measure for Measure" are priced at $7 for general admission, $5 for seniors and $4 for students. The University Theatre box office telephone number is 541-737-2784.

The cast of "Measure for Measure" includes:

BEAVERTON:

Elizabeth Willis, a sophomore in speech communication, is Francesca; Amy Binder, a junior in history is Madame Overdone.

BEND:

Michael Lane, a junior in computer engineering, is a justice.

CORVALLIS:

Peggy Ringle, a sophomore in speech communication, is Juliet; Brian Dodd, a professor of nuclear engineering, is Escalus; Dwight Calwhite, a sophomore at Crescent Valley High School, is Froth.

DAMASCUS:

Matt Cranswick, a sophomore in chemistry, is Elbow.

EUGENE:

Aaron Manley, a senior in civil engineering, is Claudio.

HUBBARD:

Michael Sloan, a freshman in business administration, is Barnardine.

PORTLAND:

Justin Lundy (97229), a junior in computer engineering, is Friar Peter.

SALEM:

Erik Hundtoft, a senior in music, is the Duke.

SCIO:

Sheryl Shay Parker, a senior in theater arts, is the stage manager.

SELMA:

Adam Goodrich, a junior in speech communication, is Lucio.

SISTERS:

Juliet Miller, a sophomore in English, is "a woman from hell" and assistant stage manager.

TIGARD:

Renee Sher, a freshman in merchandising management, is Isabella.

 

ILLINOIS BUFFALO GROVE:

Nick Levine, a junior in anthropology, is Angelo.

 

WASHINGTON MILL CREEK:

David Radford, a junior in political science, is Pompey.