Romeo and Juliet at the Pasant Theater this month

by Alex West

The classic hails once again. Frank C. Rutledge is directing the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet at the Pasant Theatre this month, in keeping with this season’s theme of “Love Discovered.”

The play is set in Verona, a small town in Italy, during the 14th century, focusing on two youths with an intimate connection whose families are feuding. The main focus of this play is the personal relationship between Romeo and Juliet rather than the chaos swirling around them. 

The complex tragedy is a challenge to produce, but the theater department has made only a few changes, while reducing the overall length to less than 75 minutes.

The cast includes:

• Tim Pare as Romeo
• Blair Wojcik as Juliet
• Nathaniel Nose as Mercutio
• Jaclyn Hofmann as Nurse
• Joel King as Friar
• J.J Spalding as Tybalt
• M. Wade Currenton as Duke
• Kiel Chamberlain as Benvolio

The ensemble includes Phil Ashbrook, Natalie Bainter, Paul Bourne, Jaret Bozigan, Kate Compton, Isaac De Ville, Mohammad Fassia, Mark Falconer, Danielle Hoskins, Adam J. Lindemier, Danielle Pombier, Vinne Mascola, Jennifer Shafter, Jordan Sivosky, Naomi C. Thomas, Sarah Tomek and Kellyn Uhl.

Discover true love amidst a war between households with this modified enactment of Romeo and Juliet.  The production is scheduled to show October 5-8 and 12-15 at the Pasant Theatere at Wharton Center. Tickets for MSU students are $15 each.