ROMEO AND JULIET to Run 3/3-9 at OPAC

The Olmsted Performing Arts Center (OPAC) will present the definitive theatre experience, Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet," in March. Tickets are on sale now.

"Romeo and Juliet" is arguably the most famous love story of all time, a sweeping, grand production, a theatre masterpiece that has been reproduced on stages for centuries and adapted for movies, musicals and bands. The play tells the tale of a boy and a girl who fall in love and fight against destiny to be together.

"Each character in 'Romeo & Juliet' is making the best choices they can for those they love, but the events in their lives go terribly wrong," says Christina Haviland, director of Romeo and Juliet at the OPAC. "This play is about love, the first love, the one you believe you were born to be with; but there is also pain and family drama and anger and inescapable fate, it is a huge tapestry of a play. It is a reflection of life. There are no absolute villains or heroes, there are only people. This play reflects the imperfection we find in art, in life and in people. It was relevant in Shakespeare's time, in the 16th century, and it is relevant today."

Haviland is a main stage and classics series director at OPAC, she is also a scenic artist. She was in her first production when she was 13, was educated at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California and has performed in theatre productions in Colorado, California and Ohio. She says she enjoys the connection she finds in working on stage.

The "Romeo & Juliet" cast has around 30 actors Haviland, and assistant directors Lawrence Wallace and Brandon Smith can connect with.

The "Romeo & Juliet" cast features OPAC theatre students, as well as community members. Cast members include Brett Heidinger as Romeo, Lauren Rebholz as Juliet, Mike Christescu as Mercutio, Joe Ferrell as Montague and Erin Salmi Thompson as Lady Montague, Terry Smith as Capulet and Tessa Hongosh as Lady Capulet.

The production team includes producer, Angela Boehm, and technical director Bob Foraker.

Showtimes of "Romeo and Juliet" at OPAC are March 3, 6, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m., and March 9 at 2 p.m. For 30 minutes before the show there will be musical performances on the themes of "Romeo & Juliet" in the OPAC lobby.

Tickets to "Romeo & Juliet" are $16.25 and available now online at http://www.olmstedperformingarts.com or over the phone by calling (440) 235-6722.