Fall in love again as City Theatre presents Shakespeare’s timeless and most passionate tale.
Young passions, feuding families and star-crossed lovers set the scene as The City Theatre Company brings to the stage William Shakespeare’s first great tragedy and one of his most beloved works, Romeo and Juliet. A tale of young love thwarted by circumstance, the production plays February 16 – March 11 at The City Theatre.
“Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”
The popularity, power and passion of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has inspired countless theatrical stagings, operas and ballets, and numerous television and film versions including the 1968 Franco Zeffirelli film and the 1996 adaptation starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes. Written around 1594, the play is Shakespeare's immortal tale of two young lovers who decide take fate into their own hands and pursue love despite the intense hatred dividing their two families. However, circumstances conspire to thwart their efforts as missed chances, poor timing and tragic mistakes prevent the lovers from finding happiness. As the families unite in sorrow, the sacrifice of the young lovers is a haunting reminder of the powerful force of love.
“These violent delights have violent ends. And in their triumph die, like fire and powder. Which, as they kiss, consume.”
The production is directed by Jeff Hinkle whose directorial work at City Theatre includes Hamlet, The Taming of the Shrew, Hair and the B. Iden Payne nominated Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. “Romeo and Juliet is a story for all times,” mentions Hinkle. “It deals with two extreme emotions – love and hate. A play that holds those two feelings to such passion, violence and consequence, is always compelling and unforgettable. This play is a timeless masterpiece of poetry and emotion and I couldn’t be more thrilled in the dynamic talent of actors who will get to tell this beautiful story each evening.” Heading the cast is Ben McLemore and Chelsea Bunn in the title roles. With Tim Brown (Tybalt), Kevin Gates (Mercutio), Gabriel Diehl (Benvolio), Mick D’Arcy (Friar Laurence), Lindsay McKenna (Nurse), Trevor Bisell (Capulet), Kate Clark (Lady Capulet) and Matthew Butterfield (Prince). Also featured are Mario Silva, Austen Cabler, Andrew Kotrla, Monica Gully, Aaron Bryant, Robert Stevens and Ashley deVille. Production design is by Andy Berkovsky with costume design by Lindsay McKenna, fight choreography lead by Wesley Riddle and production stage manager Emily Toothman.
The City Theatre Company is an Austin-based not for profit arts organization and is sponsored in part by the Greater Austin Creative Alliance, the Austin Cultural Arts Division and the AMD Foundation. Founded in 2006, the company has been recognized by the Austin Critics Table Awards, the B. Iden Payne Awards and was twice voted “Best Theatre Company” by Austin- American Statesman’s Austin 360. CTC is dedicated in providing quality theatre experience and entertainment for Austin artists and its community.
SHOW INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
February 16 – March 11. Thursday – Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m.
The City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. 78757 – east corner of Airport Blvd. and 38 ½ Street.
General Seating $15. Guaranteed Front/2nd Row Reserved $25.
Students $12. Thursday all seats $10. Group discounts are available.
Reservations 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org
www.citytheatreaustin.org