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Wesleyan Presents Romeo and Juliet with a Twist
released: 11/07/02
There's trouble brewing on the WVWC campus, and its origin seems to be found in the Atkinson theatre. Every night, shouts of "Down with the Montagues" and "Death to the Capulets" can be heard amidst the clanging of rapiers and daggers, and the shrieks of frightened women echo from within the theatre walls. Upon further investigation though, one is relieved to learn that all of the mayhem is only the cast of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. However, this is not your ordinary Elizabethan production with girls in long flowing dresses and men in tights; director Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre has chosen to make this Shakespeare with a twist.

Inspired by a vision of having the party scene where Romeo and Juliet first meet as a swing dance extravaganza complete with live music and signing, Burgess-Lefebvre decided to set this production in 1940's Italy, with the Capulets as Italian natives and the Montagues as American occupying forces after V-E Day. Freshman Linwood Young, a musical theatre major who is playing Mercutio, feels this was an excellent choice. "It gives the audience an actual reason, not an implied one, as to why the Capulets and Montagues hate each other," he said, referring to the fact that the Italians and the Americans were on opposing sides during World War II. He thinks that having the swing dancing and live music as part of the show will give the cast "more energy," and will be a special treat for the audience, as it will give them a glimpse of how life was different in the 1940's, and allow them a break from more traditional versions of Shakespearean productions.

Another unique aspect of this production is that it will include live pre-show entertainment, featuring members of the cast as well as the crew. They will be performing songs from that time period, with sophomore Joshua Stubbs accompanying. Stubbs will be performing all of the music throughout the show as well, with senior Krista Slemmer providing the vocals. "The pre-show is really going to set the mood for the show, especially with it being in a different time period. It's going to give the audience something to focus on, and will give them something to do besides read the program before the show starts. Also, it's giving some people…a wonderful chance to shine," said Nora Dillard, a senior psychology major who is playing a Consort to the Prince.

If you're looking for a night filled with live music, swing dancing, sword fighting, and a good old-fashioned love story ("happily ever after" not guaranteed), come see Romeo and Juliet in Atkinson theatre, November 14 through 16 with the pre-show starting at 7:30pm and the show starting at 8pm, or November 17 with the pre-show starting at 1:30pm and the show starting at 2pm. Call 473-8037 or e-mail lefebvre@wvwc.edu for ticket reservations. General Admission is $4, senior citizens and students are $2, and WVWV students are $1.