A Reimagined Reign: Meet the Cast of Epiphany Shakespeare’s Electrifying Richard III: A Twisted Fairy Tale

jaymichaelsae

Following the thunderous, sold-out success of Hamlet: The Clown Prince, the Epiphany Shakespeare Co. is returning to the American Theatre of Actors (ATA) with a production that promises to be as “high-octane” as it is “heart-stopping.” Under the visionary guidance of Artistic Director Joshuah Patriarco, the historic Cullum Theatre is about to be transformed into a campy, neon-lit landscape where the Bard’s most infamous villain meets the aesthetic of a fractured storybook.

Running from April 22–26, 2026, this world premiere of RICHARD III: A Twisted Fairy Tale isn’t just a history play—it’s an electrification of Shakespeare’s legacy.

Spotlight: The Architect of the Twisted Tale

Joshuah Patriarco (Director / Richard III / Malevolent) At the helm of this “Twisted Fairy Tale” is 10-time BroadwayWorld Award winner Joshuah Patriarco. Marking his sixth production as Artistic Director of Epiphany Shakespeare Co., Patriarco is no stranger to the weight of the crown, having earned accolades for his portrayals of Hamlet and Oedipus.

For this production, Patriarco draws direct inspiration from the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier, specifically his landmark film of Richard III. However, in Patriarco’s hands, the Yorkist king is filtered through a “Malevolent” fairy-tale lens. Leading the company into their Off-Broadway debut, Patriarco continues to bridge the gap between classical reverence and modern, campy innovation.

The Royal Court & Their Shadows

  • Samantha Mileski (Lady Anne): A 5-time BroadwayWorld winner and Epiphany Co-Founder, Mileski brings a multidisciplinary edge to the stage. Whether she’s winning awards for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe’s Juliet or managing the intricate SFX and costume designs of the company, Mileski remains the “dazzling” heart of the production.
  • Mikelle Terson (Queen Elizabeth): A veteran of the screen (All My Children, Guiding Light) and a proud SAG-AFTRA member, Terson returns to collaborate with Patriarco after her award-nominated turn as a “Katharine Hepburn-inspired” Lady Capulet.
  • John Schmitz (Queen Margaret): Taking on the legendary role of the cursing queen, Schmitz brings a career’s worth of Shakespearean expertise. A 3-time Best Actor nominee, he is known for bringing a “modern edge” to the classics—most recently as a “Two-Face” inspired Laertes.
  • Thomas Annunziatta (Buckingham): A Bronx native whose love for the craft has led him to award-winning performances across the city, Annunziatta embodies the strategic, supportive weight required of Richard’s right-hand man.

The Villains, Victims & Visionaries

  • Jim Hammill (Ursul): In a truly inspiring turn, Hammill—living with pulmonary fibrosis—takes on the role of a “psychotic androgynous octopus.” His presence is a powerful reminder that the stage is a place of limitlessness, challenging the audience to “live the things they love” regardless of circumstance.
  • Niko Zylik (Prince Peter): At just 12 years old, Zylik is already a veteran of the Metropolitan Opera and Theater for the New City. A cellist and songwriter, he brings a precocious, musical energy to the ill-fated young prince.
  • Rommell Sermons (Prince Clarence): Bringing “new life to classic works,” Sermons arrives at Epiphany with a rich background in dramatic staples from The Emperor Jones to A Raisin in the Sun.
  • Andrew Austin (Jiminy): Continuing his streak with Epiphany after a “Jimmy Stewart-esque” Friar Laurence, Austin adds his Hudson Valley filmmaking and acting sensibilities to the mix.
  • Edward Gibbons-Brown (King Edward): A prolific playwright and variety show host, Gibbons-Brown brings the gravitas of a seasoned producer and performer to the Yorkist throne.
  • Laura Ruth (Lady Hearts): Returning after their standout performance as a “Mad Hatter” Guildenstern, Ruth continues to blend whimsical character work with deep emotional stakes.
  • David Dancyger (Hades): Combining a career as a Local I.A.T.S.E Stagehand with a BA in Theatre, Dancyger steps into the underworld of the play with a unique understanding of the mechanics of drama.

Performance Details

The kingdom is waiting. Will you survive the fairy tale?

Unknown's avatar

Published by jaymichaelsae

Leave a comment