After a week of daytime school performances, Cape Breton University Dramagroup’s production of Romeo & Juliet opens to the public Friday night, November 27, at the Boardmore Playhouse on the Cape Breton University campus. Performances will Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Evening shows are at 7pm while the matinee is at 2pm.
An ancient story of passionate love and heart-rending loss, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet stands as one of the most enduringly popular plays of world literature. Amid a long–standing family feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, Romeo and Juliet meet, fall in love, and are married, all without their warring families’ knowledge. But before the marriage can become a source of reconciliation, the bitter hate between the rival factions sparks again, causing a bloody brawl that sees Romeo banished from his new love, and Juliet engaged against her will to another man. Their one ally, Friar Laurence, hatches a desperate plan to make all well, but his best intentions are overruled by the powerful forces of indifferent fortune, and nothing can stop the tragic unfolding of fate.
Part romantic comedy, part revenge tragedy, Romeo and Juliet marked a new level of sophistication for English drama when it first appeared in the mid–1590s. Though a captivating play in its own right, the innovative use of character laid the groundwork for Shakespeare’s later tragic masterpieces.
Directed by veteran actor and director Todd Pettigrew (Peter, Friar John, the Third Watchman), this production of the Shakespeare classic features a cast of wide ranging experience, from Stephen McIsaac as Romeo in his first ever dramatic performance, to Bruce Cathcart (Montague, set designer) who has been involved in local community for forty years. Also included in the cast are Allison Cann (Benvolio, choreographer), Kyle Capstick (Balthasar), Karen DeAdder (Lady Montague), Allison Haley (Nurse), John Lingard (Friar Laurence), Carrie MacDonald (Lady Capulet), George MacKenzie (Capulet), Mark Oliver (Abraham, 1st Watchman), Dave Petrie (Prince, Apothecary), Bhreagh Ross (Juliet), Scott Sharplin (Mercutio), James FW Thompson (Paris), Lindsay Thompson (Tybalt) and Avery Varnes (Sampson, 2nd Watchman).
This production may contain scenes with extreme violence and some sexual content, and may not be suitable for children.
