Silver Spring Stage Presents ROMEO AND JULIET, 2/18-3/12

Silver Spring Stage presents Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, directed by Andrew S. Greenleaf and produced by Andrea Spitz, the impassioned story of star-crossed lovers whose forbidden love catapults over family rivalry into the poetic realm of romance and tragedy. Romeo and Juliet will perform weekends February 18 to March 12.

Silver Spring Stage is located in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, lower level (next to the CVS) at Colesville Road and University Boulevard. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors/students. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sundays on February 27 and March 6 at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.ssstage.org. Information is also available by calling (301) 593-6036.

The most popular of Shakespeare's plays in his own town, Romeo and Juliet and its story of youthful, passionate love and sorrowful tragedy has captivated audiences and thespians since its debut in 1595. Inspired from a poem and collection of Italian tales, Shakespeare elevated a simple story of unfortunate lovers into a poetic and action-filled gem that has endured for more than 400 years. It has been produced on the stage continually since, recreated in ballet, projected in film, fashioned in art and even reconceived in such diverse pieces as West Side Story, Shakespeare in Love, High School Musical, Gnomeo and Juliet and a Twitter version called Such Tweet Sorrow.

Though one of his early works, Shakespeare's genius of mixing comedy and drama, prose and poetry and illuminating themes of light and dark and fate and chance emerged in Romeo and Juliet. The structure of the play moves seamlessly from sword-fighting to parrying wit to family conflict to soaring verse. However, it's the intimacy and romance that draws us back to our own youth, the first blush of love and that passionate ardor, which we believed could change the world. With every viewing, we hope for another ending. Yet, we return every time for that unforgettable sweet sorrow.

Set in Verona, Romeo and Juliet begins with a street brawl between supporters of the Montague and Capulet families, rivals and sworn enemies. The Prince of Verona (Bob Thompson) intervenes and declares that further breach of the peace will be punishable by death. Later, Count Paris (Timothy Phelps) talks to Capulet (Gary Sullivan) about marrying his daughter Juliet (Amy Easton). Capulet invites Paris to attend a planned ball. Lady Capulet (Karen Fleming) and Juliet's nurse (Sally Cusenza) try to persuade Juliet to accept Paris's courtship. Meanwhile, Benvolio (Nello DeBlasio) talks with his cousin Romeo (Stephen Hock), Lord Montague's son, about Romeo's recent depression. Benvolio discovers that it stems from unrequited infatuation for a girl named Rosaline. Persuaded by Benvolio and Mercutio (Philip McLeod), Romeo attends the ball at the Capulet house in hopes of meeting Rosaline. However, Romeo instead meets and falls in love with Juliet. After the ball, in the famous "balcony scene", Romeo sneaks into the Capulet courtyard and overhears Juliet on her balcony vowing her love to him in spite of her family's hatred of the Montagues. Romeo makes himself known to her and they agree to be married. With the help of Friar Laurence (John Barclay Burns), who hopes to reconcile the two families through their children's union, they are secretly married the next day. Juliet's cousin Tybalt (Tony Strowd), incensed that Romeo had sneaked into the Capulet ball, challenges him to a duel. Romeo, now considering Tybalt his kinsman, refuses to fight. Mercutio is offended by Tybalt's insolence, as well as Romeo's "vile submission," and accepts the duel on Romeo's behalf. Mercutio is fatally wounded when Romeo attempts to break up the fight. Grief-stricken and wracked with guilt, Romeo confronts and slays Tybalt. The Prince exiles Romeo from Verona and declares that if Romeo returns, "that hour is his last." The heartbreaking ending is captured memorably in the Prince's elegy: "For never was a story of more woe / Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."

The cast also includes Michael Fisher (Montague), Patrick Jordan (Sampson), Lennie Magida (Lady Montague), Madeleine Smith (Gregory and Apothecary) and Rebecca Sullivan (Girl). The production team includes Amy Sullivan (Assistant Director), Bob Thompson (Set Design), Kenny Neal (Sound Design), Don Slater (Light Design) and William T. Fleming (Stage Combat).

The Stage's 2010-2011 season continues with the hilarious The Farndale Macbeth (Feb. 1-Feb. 23), elegant Three Days of Rain (May 13-Jun. 4), and exciting One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Jun. 24-July 23).

About Silver Spring Stage
Silver Spring Stage has provided quality, affordable theatre for over 40 years. We are an all-volunteer, non- profit organization and appreciate any contribution to enable us to offer excellent and entertaining productions. Thank you for your interest and support of Silver Spring Stage. All programs at Silver Spring Stage are made possible in part by grants from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County and the Maryland State Arts Council.

Website: http://www.ssstage.org