Drake University Theatre Arts invites audiences to its final production of the fall semester, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Performances will take place Nov. 20–22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall at the Harmon Fine Arts Center on Drake University’s campus.
Adapted and directed by Drake University Associate Professor Michael Rothmayer, the production is an exploration of conspiracy, betrayal and the violent consequences of unchecked ambition. The classic tragedy follows Caesar’s rapid rise and quest to become a king, his assassination at the hands of senators grown fearful of his power, and the battle for the soul of Rome that ensues in the aftermath.
“With this adaptation, Shakespeare’s original conflict between those loyal to the Republic versus the coming Empire takes on an additional dimension,” says Rothmayer. “In our production, we encounter a patriarchal Rome challenged by an ascending matriarchy demanding change.”
This limited four-performance run is expected to sell out. Secure your tickets today online at tix.com/ticket-sales/drakefinearts or by calling the Drake University Fine Arts Box Office at 515–271–3841. Meet three members of the main cast:
Camryn Caruso as Brutus. Caruso is a third-year undergraduate student at Drake majoring in musical theatre. Her previous performances include roles in Grease (Rizzo), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Millie Bradon), and Cinderella (Queen Constantina) with the Prairie Repertory Theatre. At Drake, you may have seen her in Legally Blonde (Vivian Kensington) or tapping away in 42nd Street. In addition to her work on stage, Caruso has worked as a marketing/social media intern for the Prairie Repertory Theatre in 2024 and 2025, and she currently serves as Vice President of Drake Theatre People, a student theatre organization on campus. It is her goal to unite the campus community through theatre.
Following her performance in Julius Caesar, Caruso will portray Meg March in the University’s production of Little Women this spring.
Josie Gillette as Cassius. Gillette is a senior at Drake double majoring musical theatre and English. In October, she played the roles of Texas and the Emcee understudy in Drake’s production of Cabaret. Other previous Drake performances include First Date and The Trips. In the Des Moines community, Gillette has performed and worked at the Des Moines Playhouse. After performing in Jesus Christ Superstar, Gillette held the position of education intern at the Playhouse, mentoring young children and working to foster creativity and enthusiasm for the world of theatre. Her performance as Cassius marks her final bow at Drake University.
Dakota Eiselstein as Caesar. A senior at Drake, Eiselstein is pursuing his musical theatre degree. His recent credits at Drake include Legally Blonde (Professor Callahan) and 42nd Street (Pat Denning). With a passion for helping young people gain leadership skills through the arts, Eiselstein works as a teaching artist and company tour manager for the Young Footliters Traveling Playhouse, a company that focuses on mentoring and enriching children through theatre. Eiselstein also serves on the Drake Theatre People (DTP) executive board, working as the Production Coordinator. In this position, he manages all of DTP’s major productions including coordinating teams, stage managing, facilitating communication, and securing venues and materials. To Eiselstein, the best part of the gig is watching someone’s passion project come to life. Following his performance in Julius Caesar, Eiselstein will play the role of Laurie in Drake’s Little Women.
Tickets for Drake University’s production of Julius Caesar are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online at drake.edu/fineartsboxoffice or by calling the Drake University Fine Arts Box Office at 515–271–3841.