Photo Flash: ROMEO AND JULIET Begins Tonight at Florida State University

The School of Theatre at Florida State University presents Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, today, October 16 - 26, 2014. Directed by MFA Directing candidate Carrie Colton, the cast and crew bring one of literature's most well known love stories to life. This original interpretation sets the timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the terrible cost of ancient grudges against a nontraditional historical backdrop. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the stars below!

Colton's production takes Romeo and Juliet back to Elizabethan England; just as Queen Elizabeth I is ascending to the throne. The violent division of the Church at this time mirrors the warring houses of Capulet and Montague. From these rifts, a passionate and ill-fated love touches the children of the enemy houses, who have not yet been corrupted by cynicism, experience, and the disappointments of the world. Their belief that love conquers all is the backbone for Shakepeare's well-known tragedy.

The star-crossed lovers, played by BFA Acting student Casey Leach (Romeo) and BM Music Theatre student Laura Plyler (Juliet) lead the way for this robust and diverse cast. The production also stars BFA Acting students Cindy Alfonso (Benvolio) and Andres Robledo (Mercutio). Romeo and Juliet features scenic design by guest artist Peter Munton, costume design by MFA Costume Design candidate Stormie Mac, and lighting design by BA Theatre student George Kielty.

Dramaturg Deborah Kochman guides the audience through the ageless questions at the heart of this unique production, explaining, "Colton's Romeo and Juliet takes us on a journey through youthful delight of life's possibilities to anguish over the deadly consequences of passion ungoverned. We empathize with the suffering of young lovers denied life's first chance at romantic love -- and yet what might we learn from their hope for it? Four hundred years later, what might Shakespeare's story of passion illustrate about that fleeting moment when the choice remains to use an instrument of love rather than raising a sword that draws blood?"

Recommended age: 13+; Contains material that may be inappropriate for audiences under the age of 13. Tickets for Romeo and Juliet are $10-20, plus applicable fees, and are subject to availability. For information on the purchase of tickets, discounts, and student tickets, visit http://tickets.fsu.edu/General-Information. Tickets may be purchased online at tickets.fsu.edu, by phone at 850.644.6500, or at the Fine Arts Ticket Office located in the Fine Arts Building at 540 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306. The Fallon Theatre is located in the Fine Arts Building (540 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306) on the Florida State University Campus.

Photo Credit: Ashley Wright, the School of Theatre at Florida State