PSF Presents ROMEO AND JULIET, 7/23-8/8

With one of the most recognizable titles in the world, Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is often obscured by its own renown. "It's the play we all think we know," says Patrick Mulcahy, PSF producing artistic director. "We see a few productions that often fail to measure up to the play itself, maybe the Zefferilli film, and we think we're done with Romeo & Juliet," he says. Yet, even after performing in three professional productions and teaching the play for 20 years, Mulcahy found himself surprised during auditions four months ago. "There were a few moments where I heard lines I had never heard before, or got an insight from something an actor did that was new to me.

"(Romeo & Juliet) is a play of incomparable freshness, vitality, and passion. And there's a whole generation of people who have not yet had a chance to see a professional production of it here in the Lehigh Valley."

Rick Sordelet, whose current Broadway credits for fight direction include the revival of Fences and the new musical The Addams Family, returns to PSF to direct the play and choreograph the fights.

Romeo & Juliet opens on the main stage at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Friday, July 23, with previews July 21 and 22, and continues through August 8. Ticket prices range from $25 to $50.

* Previews: July 21 and 22
* Opens: July 23; Closes: August 8
* Single ticket prices: $25 to $50; $10 student rush half hour prior to curtain. Discounts for groups, seniors, and students.
* Performances: 7pm Tuesdays, 8pm Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2pm Sundays (also 7:30pm on Sunday, July 25.) 2pm Saturday July 31 and August 7.
* Tickets: 610.282.WILL [9455] or visit www.pashakespeare.org

The production sponsor is Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects; co-sponsors are Lutron Electronics Company, Inc. and Wills Hall Oblate Community.

In advance of every performance, audience members are welcome to attend "Prologues," a free, informal discussion offering insights into the play led by a member of PSF's artistic staff. Prologues are held in the theatre 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Considered Shakespeare's first tragic masterpiece, Romeo & Juliet is also one of his most lyrical, with the poetry of the young lovers unparalleled.

"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!

It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
As a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear..."

Unlike many of Shakespeare's tragedies, R&J is essentially a comedy in the first half, before it hurtles into tragedy. The violence in this play is so integral to the action, the imagery, and the essential event of the play - which is the human community coming to terms with its proclivity for destruction.

"Rick (Sordelet) has spent his professional life exploring the interaction between violence and humanity and his history with PSF - which dates back to the company's first production of Romeo and Juliet in its inaugural 1992 season - made him a natural choice to lead this production," says Mulcahy.

Sordelet directs a cast of 22, including PSF newcomers David Kenner and Betsy Mugavero as the star-crossed title characters. They are joined by long-time PSF favorites and real-life married couple Greg Wood and Susan Riley Stevens, who will perform together at PSF for the first time as Lord and Lady Capulet, respectively. PSF veterans Ron Heneghan and Julia Stroup will join them as Lord and Lady Montague.

Ezra Barnes returns as Prince Escalus after playing Dickinson in last season's 1776, and PSF newcomer Jo Twiss portrays Juliet's Nurse. Romeo is attended by his friends Benvolio, played by Jeff Barry, and Mercutio, played by Justin Adams. Paul Kiernan plays the lover's confidant, Friar Laurence, newcomer Mike Rossmy portrays Juliet's fiery cousin, Tybalt, and Christian Davidock returns to PSF to step into the role of Paris.

Dudley Knight and Dontee Keihn bring a wealth of experience from Broadway to the West coast as Voice & Text Coach and Choreographer, respectively. Steve TenEyck brings national and international design credits to bear as Scenic & Lighting Designer for the production, and Barrymore award-winning designer Rosemarie McKelvey returns to PSF to costume the people of fair Verona. Matthew Given, PSF's resident sound designer and production manager, and wig and make-up designer Michael Ferguson complete the design team. Iris Dawn O'Brien serves as Equity production stage manager.

The 2010 Festival also features The Merry Wives of Windsor (July 14-August 8), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (through July 11); and for children: Robin Hood (through August 7 in the Schubert Theatre) and Shakespeare for Kids (July 28-31 and August 3-7). Two shows will run for one night only: Underneath the Lintel (July 26) and Finale Cabaret (August 1).
A free outdoor Green Show is part of the season's offerings and occurs one hour prior to each evening performance. Audience members can enjoy a Q and A session with the actors after Thursday night performances July 29 and August 5.
Single ticket prices range from $25 to $50. Discounts are available for subscribers, seniors, students, and groups. Children's' show prices are $9-$15. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282-WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

The Season Sponsor for 2010 is Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Associate Season Sponsors are The Morning Call, Service Electric Cable TV and Communications, and the Harry C. Trexler Trust. Director Sponsors are Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of The Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit theatre company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, and Discover Lehigh Valley. For ticket information, contact PSF at 610-282-WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.