BRATTLEBORO — Vermont Theatre Company presents Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's classic story of two “star-crossed” lovers, for the 26th annual Shakespeare in the Park production from June 25 to 28, in Living Memorial Park.
Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays and has become a part of our popular culture in many ways.
The balcony scene is perhaps the most well-known scene in any play in the world, as are such words as Romeo's, “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?/It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” And Juliet's reply, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”
“We are going for a pretty traditional version, which celebrates this text and shows what the actors are capable of,” says Director Michelle Page, who says that outdoor theater productions are her “personal favorite” because “it's okay to be loud and over the top.”
“The play is about Romeo, but we know so little about the Montagues,” Page observes, pointing out the juxtaposition between the lovestruck young man and the family dynamics of Juliet's family, the Capulets.
Although there are “dark dynamics” in the play, it will still be appropriate for family consumption, Page says.
The production features a cast of 19 actors. Rhys Glennon is Romeo and Clare Margand is Juliet. Other actors are Marion Major, Julia Waldron, Adrienne Major, Dylan Gallagher, Carrie Lane, Elijah Taylor, Jameson Garvey, Derrick Harnish, Jason Guerinos, Sam Stevens, John Kersey, Brenda Galenus, Mike Jerald, Ian Bigelow, Mia Moravis, Alec Dandelions, and Meredith Lewis.
Brenda Seitz is the stage manager. The production team consists of Mike Jerald, Colin Grube, Brenda Seitz, and Michelle Page.