Star-Crossed Lovers Under the Stars

Erin Scanlon as Juliet in 2003 production. Photo by Sebastian Paczynski

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet will be performed under the stars this summer at three unique venues in Bridgeport and Stratford: The Peacock Pavilion at CT’s Beardsley Zoo, historic McLevy Green in Bridgeport’s flourishing downtown area; and on the grounds of The American Shakespeare Festival Theater in Stratford as part of Festival! Stratford. The performances are produced by Connecticut Free Shakespeare (CFS), now in its thirteenth season. As the name implies, admission is free.
As crafted by Producing Artistic Director, Ellen Lieberman, modern day audiences can easily relate to the play’s timeless themes of first love, rebellion, hate, and loyalty to family. Ms. Lieberman’s productions are true to Shakespeare’s language and intentions and are held in high esteem by die-hard Shakespeare lovers, as well as by people who never thought they’d like Shakespearean plays. Performances take place from 8-10:30 pm; July 13-15 and July 18-22 at the zoo; July 25-29 at McLevy Green; and August 1, 2, 4 and 5 at Festival! Stratford. There is a 10 pm performance on August 3 at Festival! Stratford. Audiences should bring chairs or blankets for seating and are encouraged to come early to picnic. The zoo reopens at 6:30 pm for picnickers. Cancelled, if rainy.

Romeo is played by Mark Friedlander, and Erin Scanlon is cast as Juliet. Eric Nyquist plays Mercutio; Tom Evans is Paris and the Apothecary; Stephen Humes plays Tybalt; Ian Eaton is Benvolio; Liliane Klein is The Nurse; Jamil Mangan is Friar Laurence; Alejandro Lopez is Friar John; Jerrial Young is Lord Montague; Lila Smith is Lady Montague; Jonathan Holtzman is Lord Capulet; Virginia Bartholomew is Lady Capulet; Tomike Ogugua is The Prince; and Gabriel Aprea is Balthazar. The ensemble cast are Maximillian Baron, Siena D’Addario, Austin DiBari, Julia Estrada, Adam Schneemann, Hannah Dubner and nine year old, Christopher McGoldrick.

There are other talents behind the scenes that make this production of Romeo and Juliet extraordinary. Sword play is coached by fight choreographer, Jacob Grigolia-Rosenbaum. Grigolia-Rosenbaum fenced at Yale while studying theater, then trained in swordplay. He is fight director for Peter and the Starcatcher on Broadway. Eric Nyquist, a local talent from Trumbull, not only acts, but is Director of Music and Choreography. Fred Santore of Hamden directs Sound. Sebastian Paczynski of New Jersey is Lighting Designer. Christine Mallardi and Solveig Pflueger are the company’s Costumers.

Info line (203) 393-3213 www.ctfreeshakespeare.org, www.facebook.com/ctfreeshakespeare, https://twitter.com/#!/CFShakespeare.