The Company “Othello”

We have just finished casting “Othello” and are really excited at the great talent we have the pleasure to bring to New Bern.

Lee Edward Colston II as Othello

This tragic story of passion, manipulation and jealousy focuses on a Moorish general, living in Venice, who is led by his trusted friend to believe a lie about his young wife. “Othello” will star Lee Edward Colston II in the title role. Lee just finished a national tour of “The Color Purple.” A Philadelphia native, he was a nominee for that city’s prestigious Barrymore Award for his performance in “Avenue X” at the Eleventh Hour Theatre. He is a graduate of the University of the Arts.

Alison Novelli as Desdemona

Playing opposite Lee will be Alison Novelli as Desdemona, Othello’s unfortunate bride. Alison was featured as Juliet in “Measure for Measure” at the famous Shakespeare & Company. She has played leading roles in the indie films “Gratuitous Violence” and “Ambivalence.” Alison is a graduate of the theater program at Skidmore College.

Willie Sumner as Iago

The visiting artists will be joined by local actor Willie Sumner, who will portray the villainous Iago. Willie has directed and starred in numerous area productions. A long-standing company member, Willie has played in many CSF productions, including: “Macbeth,” “Taming of the Shrew,” and “Twelfth Night.” Willie is head of the drama department at New Bern High School and a graduate of the theater program at E.C.U.

Bliss Griffin as Emelia

Playing Iago’s worldly-wise wife is Bliss Griffin. An actress and a dancer, Bliss has portrayed the Player Queen in Hamlet and appeared in national tours and stock productions of “West Side Story” and “Curious George Live!” She is a graduate of the theater program at University of Miami.

Rob Issen as Roderigo

Rob will portray Roderigo, the dupe of Iago’s schemes. Rob is a multi-faceted artist, with acting, writing and producing credits in various venues. He is also a two-time Emmy award winning writer and producer for PBS.

Michael Deely as Cassio

Michael Deely will portray Cassio, another victim in Iago’s schemes. Michael was a touring company member of the PA Shakespeare Festival where he played Rosencrantz in “Hamlet” and taught Shakespeare workshops with youth. In New York he played Horatio in “Hamlet” at Genesis Rep. He’s had leading roles in the independent films “The Landlord” and “Hypocus Pocused.” He is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.

The above cast will also be featured in the festival’s Fringe Events and will be teaching artists in CSF’s Young Company Training Program.