THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET to Open in January at The Gym at Judson

Now in their fifth season, Shakespeare in the Square, known for their performances in Washington Square Park, presents William Shakespeare's THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET, in their Off-Broadway debut, this time indoors, at The Gym at Judson (243 Thompson Street). Directed by Dan Hasse, THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET opens Sunday, January 18th at 7PM. Performances begin Wednesday, January 14th and continue through Sunday, February 8th. Tickets are $45 and are $15 for students. Tickets are available by visiting www.shakespeareinthesquare.com.

Shakespeare in the Square is the city's newest group of young professionals bringing a fresh perspective to classical theatre. The founders, Dan Hasse and Rose Bochner, recent gradates of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, created the company as freshmen, performing in Washington Square Park over the last four years. This winter they are continuing to lead this new generation of Shakespeareans to Off-Broadway, while still maintaining the outdoor-NYU program.

For THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET, Shakespeare in the Square is working closely with the text of the First Folio. Published in 1623, the First Folio is considered the only reliable source for about 20 of Shakespeare's plays and a valuable resource text, even for many of his previously published works. Shakespeare in the Square is committed to recreating the original Elizabethan staging practices, including direct interactions with some of the audience and a small company of five (mostly male) actors.

"Our hope is to blow the dust of Shakespeare's plays and revive the original bear-baiting, beer-drinking rowdiness of Elizabethan theatre," Hasse said.

Audiences can also enjoy the show from gallant stools, right up against the stage, with the opportunity to interact with the characters. Tickets for these seats are $75, and includes one drink.

THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET is directed by Shakespeare in the Square co-founder Dan Hasse. The cast features: Elise Kibler, Constantine Malahias, Taylor Myers, Chris Dooly, and Jack De Sanz.

The design team for THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET is comprised of sets and props by Phil Falino, costumes by Liz McGlone, lighting by Timothy Meola and musical direction by Chris Dubrow.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE SQUARE (SITS) was founded in 2010 by Rose Bochner and Dan Hasse. It is the mission of the company to perform Shakespeare to the hilt, with a respect for the words and an awareness of original staging practices. SITS believes that his language still has the power to captivate a crowd without the use of elaborate sets or lighting effects; we trust the audience's imaginations to "piece out our imperfections." Above all else, the company strives to create shows that are fast, accessible, and precise. Each season, SITS is committed to providing (free to the public) two of Shakespeare's plays as Shakespeare intended: under the sun, and in front of a loud, standing, possibly distracted audience.

The performance schedule for THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET is Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00pm and 10:00pm, with matinees on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. There are additional $15 student matinee performances on Mondays, January 19, January 26, and February 2 at 10:30 a.m. The production runs through Sunday, February 8th at 2pm. For more information, visit www.shakespeareinthesquare.com.