Canopy Theatre Presents ROMEO AND JULIET Under The Stars 7/15 Thru 8/1

Continuing its mandate of presenting Classical Works in an outdoor environment for downtown Toronto audiences, Canopy Theatre Company, in association with Hart House Theatre, is proud to celebrate its ninth anniversary this summer. William Shakespeare's greatest love story, Romeo and Juliet, runs at Philosopher's Stage at Philosopher's Walk from Wednesday, July 15th through Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 8pm.

After two seasons of growth and success at the box office, Canopy Theatre Company looks  forward to yet another year of expansion and recognition as a destination for Outdoor Theatre in Downtown Toronto.

As the best known love story in the English language, Romeo and Juliet has had many interpretations and incarnations due to its universal themes of the futility of conflict, the power of love to unite and how events can spiral into tragedy when we fail to listen to one another. Rather than imposing another theme or time period on an already accessible piece, Canopy Theatre relishes the challenge of bringing audiences closer to the action.

Canopy Theatre's Artistic Director, Andrea Wasserman takes the helm of direction for the company's 9th Season and launches a re-imagination for the use of Philosopher's Stage at Philosopher's Walk (80 Queen's Park)

The new island-style stage extension, designed by Dan Kurek, sits in the middle of the audience, creating an 'in-the-round' playing space to compliment the straight-on playing of Philosopher's Stage. The design of the extension allows for actors to travel around and over top of the island with two playing levels. Creating this extra playing space also allows for scenes to flow from each each other without pause; enhancing the spiral of action and feeding the turmoil of Romeo and Juliet.

The Company members of Romeo and Juliet reflect Canopy's tradition of being one of Toronto's premiere showcases for emerging theatrical talent while offering its audience a mix of some familiar faces and the always healthy new blood. Tackling Shakespeare's famous lovers are Tyrone Savage as Romeo and Cosette Derome as Juliet.

Tyrone Savage returns to Philosopher's Stage after playing Orlando in last year's As You Like It. Tyrone has over 10 years professional experience in Theatre and Film/Television. Recent Credits include starring roles on CTV's Instant Star, Rogue Pictures American Pie:Beta House, The Dresden Files and as Henry 'Fat' Bailey on the long running CBC series Wind At My Back. Tyrone's recent theatrical credits include At the Black Pig's Dyke for the Toronto Irish Players, Yerma, and the 2006 fringe hit This Bloody Business written and directed by his father well known Canadian actor Booth Savage.

Cosette Derome is a new face to Canopy Theatre Company, but no stranger to Toronto's performance community. Trained in Ryerson University's Theatre Program, Cosette has gone on to perform in small theatres throughout the city as well as refining her talents as a film and television stunt woman.

Guiding the young lovers are three actors with a wealth of experience on stage. Thomas Gough returns as Friar Laurence to Philosopher's Stage for his third season after astounding audiences as Gloucester in Hart House Theatre's production of King Lear.

Juliet's Nurse is hilariously portrayed by Emily Andrews. Trained as an actor, singer and dancer with several credits to her name, Emily brings a seasoned, yet youthful Nurse to the stage.

Paul Kit shines in the role of charismatic Mercutio. Returning to Canopy after playing the title role in Oedipus Rex, Paul brings his years of experience with him; including the Dora Nominated Classical Theatre Production of Macbeth.

Tickets available in advance at UofTtix Box Office or in person with cash at the door. Adults $10, students and seniors $8. Bring your own blanket.