Arms & The Man

An Un-Romantic Comedy
By George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Andy Millard

October 3-6, 2024

Shakespeare & Friends presents George Bernard Shaw’s classic comedy in Rogers Park.

PLEASE NOTE ARMS & THE MAN WILL NOT GO ON AS SCHEDULED DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE.

Refunds will be issued to your method of payment. We hope to reschedule the show for a later date.

Our cast and crew (and the facilities at Rogers Park!) made it through the storm without injury, but our hearts are with our friends, family and community as we recover.

Please contact tryonshakespeare@gmail.com with additional questions.

  • Kelly Casteel: Raina Petkoff

    Nathan Lovelace: Sergius

    Edwin Wilson: Captain Bluntschli

    Kaitlyn Essel: Louka

    Grant Langston: Nicola

    Mark Sawyer: Major Paul Petkoff

    Christine O’Connor: Catherine Petkoff

  • This performance takes place in the beautiful Rogers Park, and you'll be seated on and around the stage.

    All pathways in Rogers Park are paved, however there are some steep spots and a step onto the seating area. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us directly for accommodations.

    House opens 30 minutes prior to showtime.

    Each performance offers open seating; come early to select your seat. You'll be seated onstage at Rogers Park.

    Arms & The Man will run approximately 90 minutes with one ten-minute intermission.

    Refreshments will be available, or feel free to bring your own.

  • Additional photos, b roll, and interviews with the cast or director are available at any time. Please text or call Director Michelle Newman at 828-817-2897 for arrangements.

  • If you require additional details, please contact us.

Director Andy Millard has assembled a dynamite cast for Shakespeare & Friends’ upcoming production of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man, to be performed in Rogers Park October 3 through 6.

Written in 1885 by the renowned Irish playwright, Arms and the Man is a brilliant classic comic play set in the fancy but shabby home of the Petkoff family in 1885 Bulgaria. 

The story follows Raina Petkoff (Kelly Casteel) as she chooses between her fiancé, the handsome but rather stupid war hero Sergius (Nathan Lovelace), and a cynical mercenary from the opposing army, Captain Bluntschli (Edwin Wilson), whose surprise arrival in Act 1 sets the action in motion and whose radically pragmatic views toward just about everything drive the plot through to the end. 

Raina’s fiery maid Louka (Kaitlyn Essel) chafes against her servitude. She knows that she’s every bit as worthy as her supposed betters, and it shows in her behavior — so much so that she might just steal Sergius away from Raina. Nicola (Grant Langston), the Petkoffs’ head servant, is the model of discretion and responsibility, but being engaged to the sassy Louka might be more than he can handle. 

Raina’s parents Major Paul Petkoff (Mark Sawyer) and Catherine Petkoff (Christine O’Connor) are lovable and responsible, but they’re so enmeshed in their traditions and social paradigms that the changes surrounding the family throw them for a loop.

Shaw’s script is written with a light touch in language accessible to modern audiences. Using satire and irony, he lays bare the absurdities of war, social expectations and self-importance. When the audience laughs, it's not at jokes but at the ridiculous world we humans take so seriously. Every character provides juicy opportunities for for our excellent ensemble. So much fun!