Park Square to Present David Mann's Adaptation of ROMEO AND JULIET, 2/27-3/8

Park Square continues its 2014-2015 season with a passionate, youthful rendition of William Shakespeare's greatest love story, ROMEO AND JULIET. Adapted and directed by David Mann, this production on the Boss Stage features a limited number of public performances February 27 - March 8, 2015.

Travel back in time to Verona, Italy, where the most renowned star-crossed lovers in history remind us that when you are in love, nothing else matters-not even life itself. Romeo and Juliet's young love puts them at odds with an ancient family feud. Despite duels and disaster, one boy and one girl believe they can and must be together. A tragic whirlwind of catastrophes and secrets come to life in this unique, dynamic production.

"This is a 90-minute production performed with nine actors. It's still Shakespeare's language and story, but the action is even more compressed and exciting. The setting will be an imagined reality that has a suggestion of the Elizabethan age but could also be in the future. This will be realized through costumes and sound, all of which are being created especially for this production," said Director David Mann. "This cast features some of the best young and established talent in the Twin Cities. Most of our young actors are recent graduates of the Guthrie's BFA actor training program, and the adult characters are being played by some of the most recognized actors on the scene. All are incredibly skilled with Shakespeare's language, swordplay, and the acting challenges presented by this great text." Mann says the new Andy Boss stage is "a perfect venue for Shakespeare. His plays are fast and open, with characters running in and out of the scene all the time. With four entrances and a 3-sided stage, the action feels more alive and textured. The intimate nature of the Boss stage also gives the play a personal feel that's perfect for a play about love."

ROMEO AND JULIET features Michael Hanna and Aeysha Kinnunen as the star-crossed lovers. The show includes Jason Rojas* as Mercutio and Paris; Nate Cheeseman as Tybalt and Peter; Kory LaQuess Pullam as Benvolio and Friar John; John Middleton as Friar Laurence and Montague; Mo Perry* as Lady Capulet and the Apothecary; Zach Curtis* as Capulet; and Laura Esping* as the Nurse.

The production team includes Robert Jensen (Scenic Designer), Andrea M. Gross (Costume Designer), Barb Portinga (Assistant Costume Designer/Cutter/Draper), Michael P. Kittel (Lighting Designer), Katharine Horowitz (Sound Designer), Sarah Holmberg (Properties Designer), and Doug Scholz-Carlson and Aaron Preusse (Fight Choreographers). Katie Wiler is the Assistant Director and Laura Thaisen* is stage manager.

Performance Schedule: Student matinees will take place February 19 through May 1, but a limited number of public performances will be held February 27 through March 8, 2015. February 27 is Opening Night. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday performances, which begin at 2 p.m. All performances are in the company's new 200-seat Andy Boss Thrust stage in Saint Paul's historic Hamm Building, 408 St. Peter Street.

Ticket prices: $38 and $58. A $2 facility fee will be added to each ticket to help maintain Park Square's two stages. Discounts are available for seniors, those under age 30, and groups. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square box office, 20 W. Seventh Place, or by phone: 651.291.7005, (12 noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), or online at www.parksquaretheatre.org.

*Member, Actors Equity Association