The City Shakespeare Company opens the doors to its summer production of Romeo & Juliet this Friday, July 11. They kick off the run with a red carpet masquerade ball in honor of the famous ‘ancient feast’ in the story, and run through July 26.
This 90-minute production features intense fight choreography by David Hartstone, who also plays Romeo.
“It’s not the sterile, innocent love story we’ve been conditioned to expect,” said Brooke Bishop, the director and co-founder of City Shakes. “This production is raw and visceral because we’re calling it what it is: two teenagers getting married in secret and then killing themselves.”
The company is currently housed in an early 20th century warehouse space located within walking distance of the 3rd Street Promenade.
“The environment is a great fit for this gritty story,” said Allison Volk, company co-founder and actor playing Benvolio. “The floors are cement and the rafters are exposed.”
The show features an athletic six-person cast, including Megan Ruble as Juliet, Colin Martin as Mercutio, Mallory Wedding as the Nurse, and Gilbert Martinez as Tybalt. Live music is composed and performed by Daniel Landberg and Arthur Koroghlian.
Romeo & Juliet plays Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8 pm (July 11 through July 26). It is held at 1454 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401. Plenty of free street parking after 6 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 at http://cityshakesrj.brownpapertickets.com.
For more information, visit www.CityShakes.org.
