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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University Theatre will present Tom Stoppard's existential comedy, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," May 12-14 and May 20-22 in the Withycombe Hall Main Stage Theatre, 2901 S.W. Campus Way, Corvallis.

The production continues OSU Theatre's yearlong celebration of William Shakespeare. Stoppard's hilariously wise and surreal take on Hamlet re-imagines the classic tragedy from the perspective of two minor characters.

Unsure of why and how they have been brought to the castle of Elsinore, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern attempt to navigate their way through a dangerous high-stakes game of deception, madness, murder, and revenge. Originally premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1966, this absurdist comedy challenges audience perceptions of life, death, reality, and free-will.

 "This play is incredibly rich and complex. I love how it blends physical comedy with philosophical discourse and endearing characters," said Director Elizabeth Helman, an OSU Theatre faculty member. "There's something for everyone."

The cast features OSU students Daniel Barber (The Player), Sedona Garcia (Gertrude), Forest Heintz (Tragedian), Jesse Johnson (Tragedian), Jackson Lango (Hamlet), Jay McNair (Ambassador), Reed Morris (Guildenstern), Nate Pereira (Horatio), Risa Perez (Tumbler), Lauren Smith (Ophelia), and Kyle Stockdall (Tragedian). Community members Matt Holland (Tragedian), Robert Iltis (Polonius), Brad Stone (Alfred), Rick Wallace (Claudius), and Joseph Workman (Rosencrantz) also join the cast.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. May 12-14 and May 20-21 and at 2 p.m. May 22. Tickets are $12 General Admission, $10 Senior, $8 Youth/Student, and $5 OSU Student. Tickets are available through the OSU Theatre Box Office by calling 541-737-2784. Online ticket sales begin at 9 a.m. May 2 and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/1wgmTkJ. Contact the box office for disability accommodations or group ticket sales.