Oglethorpe University Theatre will open its 2025–2026 season with William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” debuting Friday, Nov. 14, at the Conant Performing Arts Center.

Directed by acclaimed actress and audiobook narrator January LaVoy, the production reimagines the beloved comedy through the lens of the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” giving Shakespeare’s classic tale a Regency-era flair.

At the heart of “Twelfth Night” is Viola, who washes ashore in the strange land of Illyria and disguises herself as a man to survive. Her disguise entangles her in a web of mistaken identities, secret loves and comic misunderstandings that ultimately reveal the play’s deeper truths about desire, self-discovery and the search for connection.

Guest directing for Oglethorpe University Theatre, LaVoy brings a wealth of professional experience to the Conant stage. A veteran of television, film and Broadway, she has appeared in productions such as “Coraline” and the Alliance Theatre’s premiere of “What I Learned in Paris,” as well as on-screen roles in “Law & Order,” “One Life to Live,” and more.

Today, she is also an award-winning audiobook narrator, known for her dynamic storytelling and expressive performances. Her direction of “Twelfth Night” promises to combine classical tradition with contemporary energy, inviting audiences to experience Shakespeare’s words anew.

With its opulent costumes, sharp humor and modern flair, Oglethorpe’s Twelfth Night offers a fresh take on one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies. Performances open Nov. 14 at the Conant Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale now.