PICT Classic Theatre Sets ROMEO AND JULIET in 1930s Little Italy

PICT's main stage season will open with William Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET on October 21st, 2017 at WQED's FrEd Rogers Studio in Oakland; the very studio that hosted the production of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood from 1968 to 2001.

The play will be directed by PICT Classic Theatre Artistic and Executive Director and will feature Adrianne Knapp as Juliet, Dylan Meyers as Romeo, and 2015 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year James FitzGerald as Friar Laurence.

Director Alan Stanford will be setting the production within the "Little Italy" section of New York City, circa 1930. "Of all the plays of Shakespeare, ROMEO AND JULIET is the most Italian," says Stanford. "Not only for the romance but for the feud that blights it. This is not just a story of love, this is a story of vendetta. Of a feud between families that is so old that no-one can even remember its cause. A feud that has caused death in the past and will cause death even now. And this is not just a piece of history. Even today, such interfamily hatred can destroy the lives of the young and innocent."

Scenic Designer Johnmichael Bohach will reflect Stanford's vision in the construction of the production's set, designed specifically for the unique space within the FrEd Rogers Studio. "[Stanford] and I decided to set the play in a 1930's Italian neighborhood of New York City," says Bohach. "We are gesturing towards this environment with a collage of textures and colors which you might find in such a neighborhood; panels of brick and brownstone intermix with other architectural features hanging above a concrete piazza along with the suggestion of an elevated train overhead. High metal arches and sweeping staircases give our 'fair Verona' an urban modernity with a Renaissance feel."

PICT's ROMEO AND JULIET will run from October 21st, 2017 through November 4th, 2017, with a preview performance on Friday, October 20th. Evening performances will begin at 7:30pm, and matinees will begin at 2:00pm.

PICT Classic Theatre 2017-2018 Season Subscriptions are available and include ROMEO AND JULIET, IN THE COMPANY OF Oscar Wilde (December 6th through December 10th, 2017), and JANE EYRE (April 5th through 28th, 2018). Subscriptions are $99, with single adult tickets available at $39. Season specials, THE TRIAL OF Oscar Wilde, and Oscar Wilde FAIRY TALES are priced separately. Tickets and season subscriptions are available at www.picttheatre.org or by calling the PICT Ticket Office at 412-561-6000.

PICT Classic Theatre is committed to the creation of high-quality, professional thought-provoking theatre of substance. PICT accomplishes its mission by investing in and promoting the greater Pittsburgh community. PICT is the only professional company within the Pittsburgh region dedicated solely to presenting classics and the "modern" classics of Irish and world theater.