The Theatre Program at The Ohio State University at Mansfield and the Mansfield Shakespeare Company will present the classic Romeo and Juliet as part of the final production for the 2024-2025 series.
The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 28), Saturday (March 1), and Monday, (March 3). A matinee performance is slated for Sunday, March 2, at 2:30 p.m.
This cultural classic is a challenge and an opportunity for the acting crew, which consists of actors from the student body, faculty and local actors.
“Romeo and Juliet has sort of become a natural part of our contemporary culture,” said Joe Fahey, the show’s producer and professor of theater at Ohio State Mansfield. “This play also has a great story, and we have a great 21-member cast who will be ready on opening night.”
Some of the challenges with this play include the fight scenes, Renaissance-era language and scenes of intimacy and death.
“All plays present their own challenges and this one is no different, but we have a talented group of artists who are exploring this beautiful language, challenging themselves and bringing their own rich insights to the rehearsal process,” Fahey said.
Romeo will be played by Javier Villalon Lopez, of Willard, Ohio; and Juliet will be played by Alayna Rickley, of Ontario. Other cast members include Scott Smith as Lord Capulet, Vivian Shenberger as Lady Capulet, Christian Kurtzman as Lord Montague, and Kylee Swank as Lady Montague.
All performances will be held inside Founders Auditorium at Ohio State Mansfield, located on the first floor of Ovalwood Hall, 1680 University Drive, Mansfield.
Tickets are $10 and $6 and can be purchased online, at 419 755-4045 or mansfieldtheatre@osu.edu. You can also purchase tickets at the on-site box office in Founders Auditorium beginning 45 minutes before each show.
For more information about auditions or anything related to the show, contact Joseph Fahey at fahey.9@osu.edu or 419 755-4276.