Photo Flash: First Look at John Walcutt and More in Shakespeare Orange County's RICHARD III

Shakespeare Orange County's 21st anniversary celebration continues with the presentation of RICHARD III. The production runs through August 4 at Garden Grove's open air Festival Amphitheatre-outside and "Under the Stars." Returning to the Festival this season are John Walcutt as Richard, Evelyn Carol Case as Queen Elizabeth and Amanda Zarr as Lady Anne. Veteran company member Carl Reggiardo directs this production. Get a first look at the cast on stage in the photos below!

Reggiardo compares the character of Richard to the ultimate example of the "Killer King," or the "Poisioned Prince." "He lets nothing and no one stand in the way of his quest for power," says Reggiardo. RICHARD III abounds with themes of family vs. family, father vs. son, and the end of a series of Civil Wars (War of the Roses) and their 'crippling' effects on English society. According to director Reggiardo, "audiences may expect dark tragedy, but this play is really very funny, full of sarcastic, macabre humor. In distributing bloodshed to family members and the royal family, "Richard" really wants you to enjoy him going through the manipulations and plotting to kill as many people as he can...And If you don't enjoy "Richard's" actions, he would certainly be disappointed." In addition to directing last season's production of JULIUS CAESAR, Reggiardo has appeared in or directed over a dozen productions for Shakespeare Orange County including HAMLET, TWELFTH NIGHT, and HENRY V.

John Walcutt returns to SOC in the title role of Richard, after playing the role of Cassius in the 2011 production of JULIUS CAESAR. Walcutt's filmography features more than eighty film and television appearances including roles in TITANIC, SEA BISCUIT, GREY'S ANATOMY, GHOST WHISPERER, JAG, and MAD MEN. Joining The Ensemble Company for the first time are Mike Peebler and Franc Ross. Mike Peebler is featured in the role of Buckingham, after playing the title role in Theatricum Botanicum's production of HAMLET. He has been seen on THE MENTALIST, ER, and AN AMERICAN HORROR STORY on television, with film credits including roles in VALKYRIE with Tom Cruise, and A LONELY PLACE FOR DYING. Franc Ross, a veteran actor of the television industry will play the role of Hastings. Among his many television credits Ross has appeared in DEADWOOD, CHARMED, THE WEST WING, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, and SIX FEET UNDER-motion picture credits include DESOLATION CANYON, and AMITYVILLE DOLLHOUSE.

For tickets, scheduling and further information about Shakespeare Orange County's shows, visit www.shakespeareoc.org. The Festival Amphitheater is located in Euclid Park -- 12762 Main St., Garden Grove, Calif.

Photo credit: Mark Samala