Circle Players announces cast of 'Richard III'

Circle Players has announced the cast of the first production of its 2016-2017 65th anniversary season.

Jessica Damrow Sherman will direct Shakespeare's "Richard III," with Nils Swanson in the title character. Swanson, resident of North Brunswick, is also in the theater's current production of "Incorruptible."

Also appearing in the show are Tess Ammerman as Anne, J.D. Robinson as Clarence/Ratcliff, Alicia Harabin as Elizabeth, Steven Mennella as Rivers/Lord Mayor, Heidi Carter Hart as Margaret, David Learn as Catesby, Erik Hall as Edward/Richmond, Donne Petito as Cecily, Ed Faver as Hastings/Ely/Tyrell, Ruth Learn as Young Richard, and Jacob Hall as Young Edward.

The roles of Buckingham, Gray, and Brakenbury will be announced soon.

The historical Richard III was king of England from 1483 until his death in 1485, at the age of 32, in the Battle of Bosworth Field, when he was succeeded by King Henry Tudor. Richard III was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. Written around 1591, "Richard III" is believed to be one of Shakespeare's earlier plays, preceded only by the three parts of Henry VI and perhaps some of his comedies.

Circle Players is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway. For more information, visit the web site at www.circleplayers.org.

"Richard III" opens Sept. 23.