For immediate release
Further information: contact Joseph Giomboni
Public Relations office, (570) 208-5957

Nov. 4, 2015 - The King’s College Theatre Department will present playwright Tony Kushner's magical comedy, “The Illusion,” at 7:30 p.m. November 12-14 and 19-21, and November 15 at 2:00pm, in the George P. Maffei II Theatre. 

The King’s performances will mark the area premiere of Kushner’s “The Illusion,” a witty adaption of Corneille’s comedy “L’Illusion Comique.” The fairytale centers on a dying father’s desperate search for his long-lost son. The old man travels in the dead of night to a mysterious cave and engages a wizard, who conjures visions of the romantic, adventurous, and perilous life his son has been living since expelled from home.

Professional actor and puppeteer James Godwin of New York City will serve as a guest artist for the performances. Godwin will create and build a large-scale puppet for the character, The Amanuensis, for which he will also perform and puppeteer. King’s students will gain hands-on experience working side-by-side with a professional actor during the production. Godwin’s appearance will be the first ever appearance of a professional actor in the 65-year history of King’s theatre.

Godwin is a founding member of the puppet troupe the Elementals, which has performed at the Jim Henson International Festival of Puppet Theater. His work has been presented throughout New York City, including venues such as P.S.122, Dixon Place, DTW, Franklin Furnace, LaMama and the Walker Art Center. 

He has worked with Julie Taymor, Dave Chappelle, David Bowie and Aerosmith. His film and T.V. credits include “I sell the dead,” “Ice Age 2,” “It's a Big, Big World” for PBS, “Saturday Night Live” and the forthcoming “StakeLand.” Godwin was the puppeteer Wyatt Cenac for “The Daily Show.” He also co-wrote and starred in the adult puppet variety stage show “Uncle Jimmy's Dirty Basement.” 

“The Illusion” will feature actors Jarred Stagen, Lord's Valley (Pridamant); Lester Hartwell, Altoona (Alcandre); Nicholas Klem, South Williamsport, (Calisto/Clindor/Theogenes); Amanda Kotch, Dallas (Melibea/Isabelle/Hippolyta); Skyler Makuch, Mountain Top (Elicia/Lyse/Clarina); John Hizny, West Wyoming (Pleribo/Adraste/Prince Florilame); A.J. Krier, Maple Shade, N.J., (Matamore); and Andrew Martinez, Wilkes-Barre (Assistant to James Godwin).

The George P. Maffei II Theatre is located in the Administration Building on North River Street. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $7 for senior citizens, and $5 for King’s alumni and non-King’s students. 

For more information on upcoming performances or to reserve tickets, call the box office at (570) 208-5825 or e-mail boxoff@kings.edu.

Rehearsing for King’s College Theatre Department’s upcoming performances of the “The Illusion” are, front row from left: Nicholas Klem, Amanda Kotch, and Jarred Stagen. Back row: John Hizny and A.J. Krier.