Event Scheduled
Romeo & Juliet
PHOTO CREDIT: DANIEL PARVIS
02/09/2023 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Cost: $15-$20,
CL RECOMMENDS
CL Critic Kevin C. Madigan Recommends: William Shakespeare’s tragic tale of a doomed romance between two youths is one his most celebrated plays. Published in 1597, Romeo and Juliet draws on a heritage of ill-fated love stories dating back to antiquity. According to Britannica, the appeal of the young hero and heroine, whose families are implacable enemies, has turned them into quintessential star-crossed lovers; the two characters have been depicted in literature, music, dance, and theatre. (The 1968 film version by Franco Zeffirrelli has been in the news of late following a lawsuit filed by its then-teenage stars - Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting - who claim they were forced to do nude scenes against their will). Directed by J.L. Reed, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company production has Sariel Toribio and Destiny Danielle Freeman in the lead roles. “This is the 21st production of Romeo and Juliet we have done in a row - every February,” says spokesperson Jeanette Meierhofer. “As it's a remount, the director is eager to do a bit of remixing of the great foundation that was laid the year before. What makes this production special is that it's yet another opportunity to go deeper into the story, theme and characters, and hopefully illuminate things that haven't been before.” — KCM
From the venue:
After a brawl between the rival families of Montague and Capulet, the Prince threatens with death anyone who “disturbs our streets again.” Romeo, Montague’s heir, masked at a Capulet dance, becomes infatuated with Capulet’s daughter, Juliet. From the garden he overhears her avowal as she stands on her balcony and their love scene follows. Next afternoon Friar Lawrence marries them in secret.