Step into a season of switch-ups, sisters, and storms at the Blackfriars Playhouse. This spring, the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) repertory ensemble will bring to life three timeless tales—Little Women, King Lear, and The Comedy of Errors—all illuminated by the magic of shared light.

Repertory theatre is at the heart of ASC. It’s a celebration of transformation, collaboration, and versatility, where the same cast shifts seamlessly between characters, worlds, and emotions, bringing depth and nuance to every role they inhabit. 

Meet the Visionary Directors

Our spring season thrives under the vision of three masterful directors, each uniquely attuned to the power of ensemble storytelling:

Paul Barnes – King Lear

Few directors match Paul Barnes’s depth of understanding and passion for Shakespeare. A founding force of the Great River Shakespeare Festival, Paul brings decades of expertise to his ASC debut with King Lear, illuminating the monumental tragedy and raw humanity of this timeless story.

Chris Johnston – The Comedy of Errors

Having performed in over 120 ASC productions as an actor and music director, Chris Johnston brings his intimate knowledge of ASC’s shared-light approach to the director’s chair for The Comedy of Errors. With razor-sharp comedic instincts, Chris will deliver a riotous, high-energy take on this tale of mistaken identity and joyful confusion.

Constance Swain – Little Women

After captivating audiences in over 50 ASC productions, Constance Swain steps into an exciting new role as director for Little Women, adapted by Erin Riley. Her deep connection to ASC and passion for storytelling will bring fresh energy to Louisa May Alcott’s beloved tale of family, ambition, and resilience.

Meet the 2025 SPring Cast

At the heart of our productions is an ensemble of exceptional talent and versatility. This spring, you’ll see the same cast bring wildly different roles and stories to life:

• Summer England: The Fool (King Lear), Jo March (Little Women), Dromio of Syracuse (The Comedy of Errors)
• Leah Gabriel: Goneril (King Lear), Amy March/Minnie Kirke (Little Women), Luciana/Emilia (Abbess)/Messenger (The Comedy of Errors).
• Blake Henri: Kent (King Lear), Mr. John Brooke (Little Women), Duke/Second Merchant/Courtesan/Balthazar (The Comedy of Errors). – ASC DEBUT
• Rasell Holt: Edgar (King Lear), Professor Friedrich Bhaer (Little Women), Antipholus of Syracuse (The Comedy of Errors).
• Charlene Hong White: Cordelia (King Lear), Beth March/Kitty Kirke (Little Women), Adriana (The Comedy of Errors). – ASC DEBUT
• Angela Iannone: King Lear (King Lear), Abigail “Marmee” March/ Aunt March (Little Women), Angelo/Dr. Pinch/ Jailor (The Comedy of Errors).
• Raven Lorraine: Regan (King Lear)/Meg March/Mrs. Kirke (Little Women), Dromio of Ephesus (The Comedy of Errors).– ASC DEBUT
• Joe Mucciolo: Edmund (King Lear), Theodore “Laurie” Laurence (Little Women), Antipholus of Ephesus/First Merchant (The Comedy of Errors).
• Christopher Seiler: Gloucester and u/s King Lear (King Lear), Mr. March/Mr. Laurence (Little Women), Egeon/Luce/Officer (The Comedy of Errors).

This exceptional ensemble seamlessly shifts from role to role, bringing depth, humor, and humanity to every story. Whether portraying the intensity of King Lear, the bonds of Little Women, or the chaos of The Comedy of Errors, these actors bring each moment to life under the shared light of the Blackfriars Playhouse. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and inspired by a season of unforgettable storytelling.

Repertory Theatre and Shared Light at ASC

At the Blackfriars Playhouse, repertory theatre means one ensemble, multiple plays, and endless transformation. This spring, you’ll see the same troupe bring King Lear, Little Women, and The Comedy of Errors to life, rotating roles and productions throughout the season. 

What Is Repertory Theatre?

• One Troupe, Many Roles: In every show, each actor takes on multiple characters, seamlessly shifting between distinct personalities and emotions. This ability to transform from role to role adds depth and nuance to every performance.
• Rotating Performances: The same actors perform different shows, sometimes doing three in just 24 hours. This fast-paced rotation allows you to see new stories with familiar faces stepping into entirely new roles, ensuring each performance offers something fresh and exciting.
• Shared Light: Unique to ASC, shared light creates an immersive experience where you can see the actors, your fellow audience members, and the unfolding story, drawing everyone into the same world and making every moment feel alive and connected.

Plan Your Weekend Getaway in Virginia

Make the most of your weekend with dynamic live theatre at the Blackfriars Playhouse. See one, two, or all three of our 2025 Spring Season productions—King Lear, Little Women, and The Comedy of Errors—performed by the same talented ensemble.

Located just 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C., Staunton is the perfect destination for an unforgettable weekend getaway. Experience live theatre, explore the town’s historic charm, enjoy delicious local dining, and immerse yourself in a weekend of unforgettable performances.

Book your tickets today and indulge in a weekend of immersive theatre, delicious food, and the cozy charm of Staunton—where unforgettable moments await