ROMEO & JULIET at Burbage Theatre Co

After their critically and popularly acclaimed 11th season, Burbage Theatre Co opens their 12th season with a sweeping production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, directed by Jeff Church, sponsored in part by the Pawtucket Arts Panel and the Pawtucket Arts Festival.

Romeo & Juliet will be presented from August 31 through September 24 at Burbage Theatre Co’s Wendy Overly Studio Theatre, in addition to two FREE outdoor performances to be presented at the Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater in downtown Pawtucket as part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival.

“We are immeasurably excited to be producing one of Shakespeare's finest. This play contains multitudes – violence in the streets, passionate forbidden romance, multiple sword fights, and both joyous humor and deep sadness, as well as unmistakably apt, particularly poignant, elegant poetry. The drama of Romeo & Juliet is indelibly universal – it touches all of us, in some way.

“Young love's potent naivety –– its power to strive singularly for fulfillment against whatever odds –– is familiar to all of us. Romeo & Juliet suggests that perhaps young love is a force from which we can learn to smooth animosities and come to a better understanding of ourselves. Though the Montagues and Capulets learn this lesson too late to avoid tragedy, Shakespeare suggests that, perhaps, we can learn from their mistakes.

“This is no small task for Burbage Theatre Co, but like young indomitable young love, we rise to the challenge. We have a large and particularly outstanding cast of actors along with a dream-team of designers to bring this timeless play into full, vibrant, intimately massive life. And while most performances will take place at the Wendy Overly on Blackstone Avenue, we are thrilled to present this play outdoors as part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival, as well. Don’t miss it!"

— Jeff Church, Artistic Director, Burbage Theatre Co

William Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET

directed by Jeff Church

(August 31 - September 24)

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona where we lay our scene…

While a bitter and violent feud between the Montague and Capulet families rages in the streets of Verona, a son of Montague and a daughter of Capulet meet and find themselves irresistibly entangled in a secret love that seeks to overcome all odds. As these “star-crossed lovers” rise to the challenges posed by their families' ancient animosity and the stifling weight of societal expectations, they are led to a series of irrevocable choices that have profound and tragic consequences for themselves, their families, and all of Verona. 

Starring: Maggie Papa, Ben Pereira, David Sackal, Amie Lytle, Victor Machado, Omar Laguerre-Lewis, Eddy Tavares, Andy Stigler, Francesca Hansen-DiBello, Jared Nobrega, Sarah Taylor, Aaron Morris, Emma Freel, and others.

BURBAGE at the 25th PAWTUCKET ARTS FESTIVAL:

Join us for an extraordinary experience as Burbage Theatre Co proudly presents two enchanting outdoor performances of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, As a highlight of the 25th Pawtucket Arts Festival, we're thrilled to bring this timeless tale of love and tragedy to life under the open sky, absolutely FREE for all to enjoy!

• Saturday, September 2 at 6:30pm
• Friday, September 8 at 7:00pm

As devoted members of the Pawtucket Arts community, we're honored to be part of this momentous event. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pawtucket Arts Panel and the Pawtucket Arts Festival for their invaluable support in making these performances possible.

Limited seating is available, so seize this opportunity to secure your spot at these remarkable outdoor performances by visiting burbagetheatre.org and reserving your seats!

Patrons are encouraged to bring their own seating, whether it's a cozy blanket or your favorite folding chair, as we gather to celebrate the arts in unity.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Dive deeper into the realm of Shakespearean brilliance with twelve additional performances at Burbage Theatre Co, running from August 31 to September 24. Immerse yourself in the full spectrum of human emotions with our talented ensemble, all at our accessible general admission rates.