Media Theatre Takes on First Shakespeare Classic with ROMEO AND JULIET

The Media Theatre will produce its first Shakespeare classic in January and February 2017 when "Romeo and Juliet" takes the winter slot as its annual play.

Since 2014, within its season of four professional musical productions, the theatre brings a classic play to its stage. "It's been highly successful for us," said Jesse Cline, Artistic Director, who directed the first three of Media's plays (Diary of Anne Frank, The Miracle Worker, and To Kill A Mockingbird) to great acclaim, winning two Broadway World Awards as Best Director for his work on the classics. "We have weekday morning shows for middle school through high school, and our subscribers and patrons enjoy seeing these theatrical presentations."

"Romeo and Juliet" will see Cline handing the reins to a guest director, Bill Van Horn, who recently directed the popular "Peter and the Starcatcher" at Walnut Street Theatre.

The lead of Walnut's "Starcatcher" production, Brandon O' Rourke, will work with Van Horn once again as he takes the lead role of Shakespeare's teenager in love in "Romeo and Juliet". Lexi Gwynn, who played lead roles for Cline in "The Miracle Worker" and "To Kill A Mockingbird", returns to appear opposite O' Rourke as Juliet. Gwynn won a 2015 Broadway World Award as Best Actress for her portrayal of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker".

"I look forward to working with these two very talented young professional actors," said Van Horn, who is no stranger to The Media Theatre stage himself having performed the role of McNair in "1776" last spring.

"The Media is a great space," he said. "It's a real gem for the region and I have a terrific vision for "Romeo and Juliet"."

"Romeo and Juliet" runs January 25 to February 19 at The Media Theatre. For tickets and information, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

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