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Tragic touch
COURIER L 24-7 IFE, MAY 31-JUNE 6, 2019 43
SBy Aidan Graham ee the star-crossed lovers under the
stars!
A new production of “Romeo and
Juliet” will bring Shakespeare’s tale of
romance and violent delights to Carroll
Park for three weeks, starting on June 12.
The outdoor show from Smith Street Stage
will take the story of an epic struggle
between the great houses of 16th-century
Italy and draw connections to current
events, said the show’s director.
“It’s set in a Verona that is much like
our government today. If you look at
the recent government shut down, for
example, it didn’t take long for people to be
in dire straits. People were worried about
buying food and rationing medicine, but
the politicians who created the shutdown
are going to be fine,” said Shaun Bennet
Fauntleroy. “That’s the Verona we have
now. People in the story are not happy with
the Capulets and Montagues, because their
feud was wrecking the economy.”
Fauntleroy, a longtime member of the
Smith Street company, said she was drawn
to the story because of its strong female
protagonist.
“It’s one of the few plays by Shakespeare
that is led by a woman. It really is Juliet’s
show. She’s such a wonderful character.
She says what’s on her mind, and she’s
very straightforward,” said Fauntleroy. “In
some small ways, we’re trying to highlight
Juliet’s beautiful uniqueness, and how her
love with Romeo is so different.”
The director cast actress Katie
Willmorth in that leading role, because
of her temperamental similarity to the
character.
“Katie is very similar to Juliet in that
she’s both very cerebral and warm,” she
said. “And, she really digs into the language
of the character. There are people
who like to take apart clocks to see how
they work, and Katie is like that with
language. If you combine that with her
warmth and kindness, she makes for the
perfect Juliet.”
Willmorth will star across from Noah
Anderson as Romeo in the 15-person,
modern-dress production. This is the 10th
anniversary of Smith Street Stage’s seasonal
productions in Carroll Park, which
have been a midsummer night’s dream for
the company, said Fauntleroy.
“The park is a great venue, and it’s
great because the original Shakespeare
plays were performed in the open air,” she
said. “We feel like the shows should be
accessible to everyone. So, to be able to do
these shows for free, and be able to pay the
actors, is really like a dream.”
“Romeo and Juliet” in Carroll Park
(Carroll Street between Smith and Court
streets in Carroll Gardens, www.smithstreetstage.
org). June 12–30; Thu–Sun at
7:30 p.m. Free.
Classic stage: Smith Street Stage will celebrate its 10th
year in Carroll Park with the tragic tale of romance and
violence, “Romeo & Juliet.” Chris Montgomery
‘Romeo and Juliet’ comes to Carroll Park
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