A “vibrant, hot-blooded” (The New York Times) and notably queer adaptation of Romeo & Juliet comes to the City Theatre Mainstage May 8-10, blurring the line between dreams and reality. Shakespeare’s R&J, written by Joe Calarco, will be directed by J. Cody Spellman, a John Wells Directing Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University.

Shakespeare’s R&J follows four boys living under strict rules, including what they can and cannot read. In an act of defiance and curiosity, they begin to act out the forbidden play, Romeo and Juliet, amongst themselves. What starts as playful experimentation – assigning roles, improvising costumes from school uniforms – quickly becomes something deeper. Through Shakespeare’s language, the boys reveal hidden desires and vulnerabilities among themselves. By the end, the students face a choice: retreat into silence – or take control of their own voices. In a world built on control, Shakespeare’s words become an act of resistance. A reminder that the choice to speak – or stay silent – is one we all face.

This production contains a cast and production team filled with many current students and alums of local universities. It is presented by Julia Production, an independent entity not affiliated with City Theatre Company, which serves as the host venue.

Step into this world of curiosity and hidden desires, and enjoy a show at City Theatre! The bar will be open.

Performances:
•Friday, May 8 at 7:30 PM
•Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
•Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 PM

Ticket Discounts:
•Under 30 tickets: $24 — call the Box Office to reserve
•Senior Rush tickets: $28 — available only on the day of the performance, by phone or in person.
•Early Bird Discount: code “RJNOW” for 10% off