Short Shakespeare!
Romeo and Juliet
February 23
March 23, 2013
in CST's Courtyard Theater
directed and adapted by Rachel Rockwell
Love smashes up against the grown-ups' cold, transactional view of marriage with razor-sharp clarity
Chicago Tribune
The Play
Verona burns under summer's heat—and the hatred of two families. The Prince decrees: if Montague or Capulet again disrupts the peace, lives will answer to the law. Violence stains Verona's streets. Against this horror, Shakespeare sets Romeo and Juliet, a tale of true love found—and tragically lost—within an endless cycle of hate. This 75-minute adaptation, told in Shakespeare's own words, speaks to today's youth about their own lives. After the performance, audiences are welcome to join the cast for a post-show discussion.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
More to Explore
Interview with Director Rachel Rockwell
Exploring the play through the eyes of the director.
Read More
Interview with Fight Choreographer Matt Hawkins
Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet Fight Choreographer discusses violence on the stage.
Read More
Love at First Sight
The actors of Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet on love at first sight.
Read More
The Players
Creative Team
Rachel Rockwell Director
Scott Davis Scenic Designer
Theresa Ham Costume Designer
Greg Hofmann Lighting Designer
Ethan Deppe Composer
James Savage Sound Designer
Melissa Veal Wig and Make-up Designer
Cast
Christopher Allen Romeo
Samuel Ashdown Tybalt
Lynn Robert Berg Lord Montague/Friar Laurence
Kamal Angelo Bolden Prince Escalus/Paris
Jeb Burris Mercutio
Melissa Carlson Lady Capulet
Alejandro Cordoba Sampson
Kurt Ehrmann Lord Capulet
Maureen Gallagher Nurse
Tim Gittings Peter/Friar John
Nicholas Harazin Benvolio
Laura Rook Juliet
Christopher Sheard Balthazar/Apothecary