CENTER VALLEY, PA (July 15, 2025) — PA Shakespeare Festival (PSF) continues its acclaimed 2025 Summer Theatre Series with a bold production of one of Shakespeare’s most provocative yet seldom-performed plays, Timon of Athens. Performed in the Festival’s “Extreme Shakespeare” style, the production previews July 23 and 24, opens July 25, and runs through August 3 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University in Center Valley, PA.
This rarely produced Shakespearean treasure tells the story of Timon, once the life of every party and Athens most generous benefactor, who finds himself abandoned when his fortune runs dry. Betrayed by those he trusted most, his legendary generosity curdles into seething rage, transforming him from the city’s favorite host to its most dangerous outcast. As his fury builds, Athens trembles before a man with nothing left to lose.
Performed “Extreme Shakespeare” style—actors arrive with their lines learned, rehearse independently, and open within days. No directors. No designers. Just pure adrenaline and raw talent unleashed on Shakespeare’s blistering commentary on wealth, loyalty, and the fickleness of human nature. The Festival’s production is a rare chance to experience one of Shakespeare’s most electrifying yet rarely produced masterpieces—for theatre enthusiasts, this may be the only opportunity to witness Timon of Athens live.
PSF veteran actor Greg Wood takes on the titular role in his 26th season with the Festival. Wood has starred in numerous PSF classic productions including An Iliad, Twelfth Night, Cyrano de Bergerac, Hamlet, Richard III, King John, and Antony & Cleopatra. He comes directly from Broadway’s Othello and Our Town, having recently completed a national tour of To Kill A Mockingbird as Link Deas (also understudying Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch).
He is joined by a powerhouse ensemble of PSF favorites, fresh from other 2025 Summer Theatre Series productions. Brandon E. Burton (A Raisin in the Sun’s Walter Young) brings commanding presence to the rebellious Alcibiades, while Michael Doherty (The Producers’ Leo Bloom) and Anthony Lawton (The Producers’ Franz Liebkind) masterfully embody the false friends Lucullus and Sempronius, respectively.
Other PSF veterans round out the cast, including Karen Peakes (The Merry Wives of Windsor, 2024) as Timon’s loyal steward Flavius; Susan Riley Stevens (Macbeth, King Lear, and multiple “Extreme Shakespeare” productions) as the sardonic philosopher Apemantus; and Carl N. Wallnau (a PSF mainstay since 1997) as the scheming Senator.
They’re joined by Tyler Borneo, Maya Jean Marino Cappello, Taylor Congdon, Jamir Fisher, Bella Lucano, Gabe Moses, Teddy Novak, Christian Tuffy, and Mark Yowakim in this searing ensemble.
The creative team includes Kim Carson (Intimacy Director), Josiane M. Lemieux (Stage Manager), Elliot M. Schenck (Assistant Stage Manager), and Greg Leaming (Text Coach).
PSF invites patrons to enhance their theatre going experience with an Opening Night Champagne Reception on Friday, July 25, a post-show talkback with the cast on Thursday, July 31, and, for a behind-the-scenes look, a special Epilogue on Saturday, August 2, that includes a backstage tour. Adding to the ambiance, patrons can relax to live music “On the Green” before each performance. PSF will also offer an audio-described performance on Sunday, July 27, at 2pm. For information on these experiences visit PAShakespeare.org.
Audiences can also experience Shakespeare’s Hamlet in repertory with Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead—the perfect pairing for Shakespeare lovers. Family offerings include The Princess and the Frog Prince (through August 2 in the Schubert Theatre) and Shakespeare for Kids (on the Main Stage and at community libraries July 23-August 2). The Festival’s summer season runs through August 3.
Tickets can be purchased online at PAShakespeare.org, by calling the box office at 610.282.WILL [9455], or in person at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University in Center Valley, PA. Discounts are available for military, educators, seniors, students, and groups of 10+.
The Production Sponsor is The Jeff Hunter Charitable Trust and the Co-sponsors are Douglas Dykehouse and Theatre League Kansas City.
The Festival’s 2025 Season Sponsors are Marilyn McDonald, MD and Joe Folger. The Associate Season Sponsors are Mary Bongiorno, Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth, Kathleen Kund Nolan and Timothy E. Nolan, Yvonne Payne and Edward Spitzer, The Szarko Family, and Harry C. Trexler Trust.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is the Lehigh Valley’s Professional Equity Theatre hosted on the campus of DeSales University.
The official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PSF features acclaimed actors from Broadway, television, and film, and is the summer home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Jefferson, and Barrymore Awards.
Artistic Leadership:
JASON KING JONES (Artistic Director) is excited to embark on his third year with PSF. In his first two seasons, Jason expanded the organization’s footprint to include the “Play On!” Community Tour, the launch of Shakespeare 4 Kids to libraries, and Community Day. Prior to moving to the Lehigh Valley with his family, Jason spent ten years at Maryland’s Olney Theatre Center, where he served as Senior Associate Artistic Director and Artistic Director of National Players. In the past twenty-six years Jason has directed over seventy-five productions, mentored hundreds of early-career theatre makers, and established various in-school and summer educational programs. He is an Acting Company alumnus, a proud member of the PSF Board, the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit & Business Partners Council, and the Shakespeare Theatre Association’s Executive Committee. Jason holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Missouri State and an MFA in Directing from Boston University.
CASEY WILLIAM GALLAGHER (Managing Director) has worked at PSF for 26 seasons. Over the years he was a box office intern, a stage management intern, the assistant house manager, box office manager, company manager, assistant producer, director of development and worked directly with PSF Founder Jerry Schubert in the early years of the organization. Since 2004, in his role as general manager and later managing director, he served as the administrative leader of the Festival, working very closely with former Producing Artistic Director Patrick Mulcahy and the box office, business, development, marketing and production departments. Since 2023, Casey is co-leader of the Festival with Artistic Director Jason King Jones. Beyond PSF, Casey was treasurer for the Shakespeare Theatre Association, director of audience services for The People’s Light & Theatre Company, a board member for Civic Theatre of Allentown, a peer panelist for the New Jersey Council on the Arts and a judge for the Greater Philadelphia Barrymore Awards for excellence in theatre.
Cast
Tyler Borneo (Ensemble) PSF: The Merry Wives of Windsor (Simple), S4K: Twelfth Night (Self), The Play That Goes Wrong (u/s Trevor), and Cymbeline (Ensemble). DeSales University Act 1: Singin’ in the Rain (Diction Coach, Ensemble, u/s Don), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Jean-Michel), and The Drowsy Chaperone (George).
Brandon E. Burton (Alcibiades) PSF: Fences (Lyons Maxson), Antony and Cleopatra (Menas/Alexas), Richard II (Willoughby). Broadway: Death of a Salesman (Happy/Biff Understudy). Regional: Yale Repertory Theatre, The Inspector (The Mayor), A Raisin In The Sun (Bobo); The Public Theatre: Merry Wives (Falstaff/Doctor/Pastor Understudy).
Maya Jean Marino Cappello (Ensemble) PSF: The Color Purple, The Comedy of Errors, Merry Wives, Winnie-the-Pooh, The Tempest. DeSales: Singin’ in the Rain, Intimate Apparel, Little Shop of Horrors, Mr. Dickens’ Hat, Cinderella, The Drowsy Chaperone, Side by Side by Sondheim.
Taylor Congdon (Ensemble) PSF: Henry IV, Part 2, Much Ado, Private Lives, Antony & Cleopatra, Hamlet, Julius Caesar. Regional: Clue, Curious Incident, Playboy of the Western World, Steel Magnolias, Guys and Dolls, Turning. TV/Film: ReelShort, Nobody Wants To Shoot A Woman.
Michael Doherty (Lucullus) has appeared in over 70 regional theatre productions across the country. Philly: Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre, People’s Light, Bristol Riverside Theater, Theatre Horizon (Barrymore Award), 1812 Productions, DE Theater Company, Theatre Exile. Off-B’way/Regional: 59E59, Guthrie Theater, Berkeley Rep (Theater Bay Area Award), Utah Shakes, Alabama Shakes, Milwaukee Rep, Denver Center, Cleveland Play House. TV: Wu Tang: An American Saga, Take My Muffin. His new play Dogberry and Verges Are Scared premieres this fall.
Jamir Fisher (Ensemble) Underling in The Drowsy Chaperone, Sid Phillips, R.F. Simpson u/s in Singin’ in the Rain and Congregant in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Anthony Lawton (Sempronius) has acted in Philadelphia for over 30 years. Favorite roles include George in Of Mice and Men (Walnut), Coleman in The Lonesome West (Lantern), and Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet (Arden). His original plays include The Foocy (5 Barrymore nominations), and The Light Princess (8 Barrymore nominations). Barrymore Award winner for Faith Healer (2024). He also tours solo shows: The Devil and Billy Markham, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters.
Bella Lucano (Ensemble) A Chorus Line (Female Swing). Educational: DeSales University, Singin’ in the Rain (Zelda Zanders, Dance Captain, u/s Kathy Selden); The Children’s Hour (Mary Tilford); Little Shop of Horrors (Puppeteer/Asst. Director); The Drowsy Chaperone (Swing Kitty/Ensemble); Twelfth Night (Maria); and more.
Gabe Moses (The Painter/Ensemble) PSF credits include Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Ragtime, Crazy For You, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado. Regional: RENT, The Lehman Trilogy (Arden), A Christmas Carol, Peter Panto, Hair, Noises Off, Lovesong.
Karen Peakes (Flavius) PSF: The Merry Wives of Windsor (Mistress Page), Cymbeline (Pisania), The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra/Florence), Blithe Spirit (Ruth). Regional: Lantern Theatre (Much Ado – Beatrice); Walnut Street Theatre (Curious Incident – Mother); Arden Theatre (POTUS – Jean, A Little Night Music – Charlotte); Delaware Theatre (Noises Off – Belinda); 1812 Productions (Torch Song – Laurel); Folger Theatre (Othello, Macbeth, Measure for Measure, Henry VIII); Gulfshore Playhouse (Maytag Virgin, Into The Breeches, Steel Magnolias).
Teddy Novak (Ensemble) Scranton Shakespeare Festival, Titus Andronicus (substitute Mutius/Publius), Spring Awakening (Moritz Stiefel). DeSales University Act 1: The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble, u/s George), Little Shop of Horrors (Wino/Audrey II Puppeteer), Mr. Dickens’ Hat (Ensemble/Foley Sound), Singin’ in the Rain (Rod & u/s Cosmo), DeSales Act 1 Shubert Workshop: The Big Meal (Boy).TV/Film: Bedridden: A Horror Short (Thomas/Creature).
Susan Riley Stevens (Apemantus) Previous PSF credits include Macbeth, Lend Me A Tenor, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Hamlet, and numerous Extreme Shakespeare productions including All’s Well That Ends Well, King John, Henry VIII, Troilus & Cressida, and Pericles. Recent regional credits: Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf (Martha) at Walnut Street Theatre, POTUS (Harriet) at Arden Theatre Company. MFA: Yale School of Drama.
Christian Tuffy (The Poet/Ensemble) Credits include Winnie the Pooh, Merry Wives of Windsor, Cymbeline, The Tempest, Sense and Sensibility, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (WillPower Tour).
Carl Wallnau (Senator/Old Athenian) He is currently Artistic Director of the Centenary Stage Company, an equity theatre located on the campus of Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ where he is also Professor of Theatre Arts and Chairman of the Fine Arts Department. Recent credits include Alibi for Bristol Riverside and Noises Off for Peterborough Players. He has worked at numerous regional theatres including Paper Mill Playhouse, Arden Theatre, Second Stage in NYC, York Theatre in NYC, People’s Light, The Lark Theatre, Hartford Stage, Forum Theatre, Premiere Stages, Orlando Shakespeare Company, Theatre 1812, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Foothills Playhouse among others and 14 months on the road with the First National Tour of Titanic. He is married to his favorite actress Colleen Smith Wallnau, for whom he wrote the play Mary Todd…A Woman Apart.
Greg Wood (Timon) Recently toured with To Kill A Mockingbird as Link Deas, also understudying Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch. Broadway: Our Town, Othello. PSF: 26 seasons, including An Iliad, Twelfth Night (Malvolio), Cyrano, Hamlet, Richard III, King John, Antony & Cleopatra. Film/TV: The Sixth Sense, Signs, The Happening, Blacklist, Evil, Dr. Death, Law & Order, Homicide.
Mark Yowakin (Lucius/Ensemble) Credits include: Money Heist: Experience NYC; Off-Broadway: Backstroke Boys, Plague Play; Shakespeare Theatre NJ: Macbeth LIVE, A Midsummer Night’s Dream LIVE; PSF: Love’s Labour’s Lost, Robin Hood & Maid Marian, Charlotte’s Web. TV/Film: Daredevil: Born Again, Everything’s Trash. NYC new works: Area D, 1001 Nights.
Creative Team
Kim Carson (Intimacy Director) This is Kim’s first season in this role at PSF. She also currently serves as Theatre Director at Dieruff High School. Before joining PSF, Kim served in the Allentown School District, Saucon Valley School District, LV Charter High School for the Arts, and for the last 20 years, has worked as a professional actor, director, playwright, and photographer. Credits include 59 E 59, Walnut Street Theatre, Arden Theatre Co, Fulton Theatre, Peoples Light, John W. Engeman Theatre, Delaware Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Co, Theatre Exile, and many more. Kim has received two Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre in Philadelphia.
Josiane M. Lemieux (Stage Manager) is in her 3rd season with Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Previous PSF credits: PSM The Merry Wives of Windsor (2024) and Interim Director of Production (2023). Prior to that, she was Director of Production for four years at Maryland’s Olney Theatre Center, where she oversaw over fifty productions, including the world premiere of Cinco Paul and Bekah Brunstetter’s A.D. 16. Prior to that, she was an AEA stage manager for over twenty years with The Wilma Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, The Acting Company, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Huntington Theatre Company, The Kennedy Center, Crossroads Theatre Company, Playwright’s Theatre of New Jersey, Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, and TheaterWorks USA. She is on staff at DeSales University and a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Elliot M. Schenck (Assistant Stage Manager) He is a rising senior BFA Stage Management student at Ithaca College in NY. Regional Credits: The Last Five Years, Cymbeline (PSF); Collegiate Stage Management: I and You, I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, Let the Right One In, X, The Pirates of Penzance (Ithaca College); Collegiate Prop Supervising: Stupid F*cking Bird, The Liar (Ithaca College).
Information provided to TVL by:
Tina Louise Slak
