Austin's Young Shakespeare Begins Final Weekend of ROMEO AND JULIETA Today

Austin Shakespeare teen company Young Shakespeare will perform ROMEO AND JULIETA at Richard Garriott de Cayeux' replica of an Elizabethan theater, The Curtain Theater, on the shores of Lake Austin 8 p.m. Thursday thru Sundays June 20 - June 30. This new adaptation uses Shakespeare own language peppered with contemporary Spanish language verse by Austin playwright, Rupert Reyes. The production features a mashup of contemporary costumes, Quinceañera dances and classic sword fights.

Featuring some of Shakespeare's most beautiful poetry, young actors are trained to delve deeply into their imaginations to recreate the world of feuding family, teen secrets, and violent passion. Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella says, "We have had amazing Young Shakespeare productions by fostering an atmosphere of confidence and joy for teen actors to flourish as they tackle Shakespeare's best-loved script.

We hope that experiencing this Young Shakespeare company rediscovering this story of the passion and violence of youth and age is something that will invigorate audiences of all ages."

Tickets are available at the door or online and cost $16 for adults, $12 for anyone under the age of 12. There is an early bird special price $14 for adults and $10 for kids under 12 through June 14.

Now in its fifth year, always cast by open audition, the Young Shakespeare cast includes seven teens who have been in the company before, and five who are new to the company. Talented young actor, John W. Austin recently graduated from Westlake High School and who played the title role of "Julius Caesar" last year, returns as "Romeo." Austin Shakespeare actor, Abi Trent, "Juliet," has performed in all five of Young Shakespeare's productions and also acted with the adult company in five years ago In MACBETH at the Long Center.

Other cast members include veteran Jonathan Holle as "Mercutio" and new Young Shakespearean Fernando Paz as "Benvolio." Teens from all over Austin, as well as Round Rock, and Cedar Park, auditioned for this unique program that demonstrates that Shakespeare wrote his plays to be performed in this style of theater.

ABOUT AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE: Founded in 1984 and the only professional classical theater company in Central Texas, Austin Shakespeare presents professional theatre of the highest quality with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare, bringing to the public performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today. Continuing its 28 years of free Shakespeare at Austin's Zilker Hillside Theatre, Austin Shakespeare also annually produces shows at The Long Center for the Performing Arts Rollins Studio Theatre as a new Resident Company. Additional programs include the weekly "Shakespeare Aloud" reading group, and Shakespeare MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Summer Camp at St Michael's Academy June 24-28, 2013 . Austin Shakespeare's education program 20/20 sends professional actors into the schools to encourage love of language. For more information visit www.austinshakespeare.org

Austin Shakespeare is a proud member of the Austin Creative Alliance.