Spotlight on Twelfth Night’s Duke Orsino, Justin Blake Larsche
Twelfth Night returns to the Lab Theater stage tonight. Included in the talented cast that Director Nykkie Rizley has assembled for this how is Justin Blake Larsche. He plays the powerful duke of Illyria.
The premise of the play is somewhat convoluted. In essence, a twin boy and girl are shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria. Both think that the other perished. The girl, Viola, disguises herself as a boy, takes the name of Cesario, and lands a job in the 
Duke’s court as a messenger. She quickly learns that her boss is in love with a rich young woman by the name of Olivia. But rather than court her in person, Orsino sends his messenger to court the girl. But Olivia falls instead for Cesario, who in the meantime has fallen in love with Orsino.
Orsino is a complicated guy. He’s rich, powerful, and a person of authority, but he’s also very immature when it comes to matters of the heart. In fact, it becomes apparent that he’s more enamored of the idea of falling in love than he actually is of Olivia. But in spite of his infatuation, moodiness and egocentricity, Viola falls in love with him precisely because he’s so passionate and driven, traits that also 
describe the way that Justin Blake Larsche plays this role.
Lab Theater reports that Larsche is new to the stage. Twelfth Night represents his debut at Lab Theater and just his third play overall. He played a Russian mobster by the name of Yuri in Geral Godbout’s The Trade in 2014. After that, he took on the role of Larry in Patric Marber’s Closer for Tellers’ Theatre Co. Justin is the owner of Heroes and Villains Character Entertainment, where he 
does all types of special events.
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About the Author
Tom Hall is both an amateur artist and aspiring novelist who writes art quest thrillers. He is in the final stages of completing his debut novel titled "Art Detective," a story that fictionalizes the discovery of the fabled billion-dollar Impressionist collection of Parisian art dealer Josse Bernheim-Jeune, thought by many to have perished during World War II when the collection's hiding place, Castle de Rastignac in southern France, was destroyed by the Wehrmacht in reprisal for attacks made by members of the Resistance operating in the area. A former tax attorney, Tom holds a bachelor's degree as well as both a juris doctorate and masters of laws in taxation from the University of Florida. Tom lives in Estero, Florida with his fiancee, Connie, and their four cats.
Congratulations on the positive review. Justin you are a wonderful actor. You have found your place. The ease with which you slide into a roll is amazing.
Really enjoyed the production. The set and costumes reflect the limited budget but the actors, particularly justin, were right off broadway in new york.