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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's popular Bard in the Quad program is back this summer with William Shakespeare's romantic comedy, "Twelfth Night." This outdoor production runs Aug. 5-9 and Aug. 12-16, with all performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.

It takes place at the Memorial Union quad on the OSU campus, 26th Street and Jefferson Way. Audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs since seating is not provided.

This popular comedy features the story of Viola, a young maiden washed ashore after a tragic shipwreck. Wishing to protect her virtue, Viola disguises herself as a boy and joins the service of the lovelorn Duke Orsino. Sparks fly and a comic love triangle develops when Viola is asked to woo the melancholy Olivia on behalf of Orsino. Meanwhile, the other members of Olivia's household concoct their own schemes and love matches.

Director Elizabeth Helman said this story is perfect for Bard in the Quad's unique outdoor setting.

"Twelfth Night is a play about excess and intensely passionate characters who fall in and out of love quickly and our concept for this production emphasizes Illyria as a world of extremes," she said. "A large, outdoor venue allows us to create a very playful and theatrical world for these over-the-top characters to exist."

The cast features Michael Pierson Bishop as Fabian, Matt Bradley as Malvolio, Jordan Brinck as Curio, Ian Burns as Antonio, Erin Cunningham as Olivia, Troy Eggers as Sebastian, Matt Holland as Feste, Kimberly Holling as Viola, Eric Nepom as Orsino, Jeff Nichols as Sir Andrew, Lacey Nolan as Maria, and Nick Sheler as Sir Toby.

Tickets are on sale online at http://www.oregonstate.edu/dept/theatre. They also will be available at the Memorial Union office, by calling 541-737-2784, or in the center of the Memorial Union Quad prior to each performance between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $14 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $7 for OSU students.

For more information contact Angie Weeks at 541-737-2853 or go to http://www.bardinthequad.org