FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cookeville, Tenn - Sept. 29, 2025
Dogwood Park’s Shakespeare in the Park Returns for its 22nd Year with a Production of The Tragedy of Troilus and Cressida
Shakespeare in the Park will return for its 22nd year Oct. 3–5 and Oct. 8–11 at 7 p.m. each night with a production of The Tragedy of Troilus and Cressida, Shakespeare’s “problem play” that presents a love story of sorts set against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
“Troilus and Cressida is cynical in nature and overflowing with biting satire, but it’s also very funny and a great night in the park! Our team has worked very hard to create both a serious and hilarious experience, and I think we’ve done a great job bringing the play to life on the stage,” said Joe Clark, director of this year’s production.
The cast features James Alder in the role of Patroclus, Jacob Alexander as Troilus, Laura Aytes as Helen’s Maid/Soldier, Kate Breidert as the Bastard Son of Priam, Bre Brown as Paris’ Servant/General Servant/Soldier, Evan Cole as Nestor, Mark Harry Creter as Agamemnon, Zeek Crossmen as Paris’ Servant/General Servant/Soldier, Millie Driggers as Helen’s Maid/Soldier, Sandy Dunavan as Andromache/Soldier/Myrmidon, Samuel Dunn as Menelaus, Caleb Grider as Achilles, Kensey Johnson as Alexander/Servant/Soldier, Tyler Martin as Diomedes, Holly Mills as Cassandra/Soldier, Rachel Moore as Cressida, Kevin O’Connor as King Priam, Emily Parsons as Aeneas, Julia Peacock as Ajax, Aaron Ramsey as Paris, Ray Rice as Thersites, Ryan Steele as Pandarus, Anna Stites as a Soldier, Jordyn Strilecky as Helen, Crystal Ueki as Helen’s Maid/Soldier, Matthew Wilson as Hector, and Joshua Winscott as Ulysses. Stage management by Emma Waltenbaugh.
Shakespeare in the Park is produced by the City of Cookeville Department of Leisure Services and is supported by the staff of the Cultural Arts Division, including Rachel Wingo, Jordyn Strilecky, and Kim Frick-Welker. Technical direction and set design by Matthew Wilson, and lighting design by Patrick Mannle.
The current production runs from Oct. 3–5 and Oct. 8–11, with performances starting at 7:00 p.m. each night at the Dogwood Performance Pavilion in Dogwood Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets to enhance their experience under the stars at this free event. Food and drinks will be available for each performance at the park’s concession stand. This year, there will also be a Shakespeare Festival in Dogwood Park on Oct. 11, 2–6 p.m., with family-friendly activities, local vendors, and fun. For more information, call 931-528-1313 or visit www.cpactn.com.
Contact
Rachel Wingo
Cultural Arts Superintendent
931-520-5296
rwingo@cookeville-tn.gov