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Romeo & Juliet, originally by William Shakespeare, opens on the Wimberley Players stage September 16 and runs through October 9.
In this version, set in America in the late 1960s, two teenagers from feuding families unexpectedly find love. Several actors who have previously appeared on the Playhouse stage are returning to join the Romeo and Juliet cast including, Lettie Dyer as Juliet, Melinda Ellisor as Queen Eleanor, Ronald Lessane as Lord Capulet and Peter, Rebecca Wood as Lady Capulet, Roxanne Strobel as the Nurse and Goneril, Mark Webster as Lord Montague, Kristen Hardin-Sigler as Lady Montague, and Greg Dew as Friar Lawrence. Making their debut with The Wimberley Players are Sam Beeson as Romeo, Yancy Bohana as Mercutio, Caroline Williams as Bianca, William Donavan as Benvolio and County Paris, Patrick Sebastian as Tybalt, and Guy Martin as Sampson.
Directed by Trish Rigdon, the characters have been adapted to provide more opportunities for women to act in a Shakespearean production. The character of Prince Escalus became Queen Eleanor, Romeo’s page Balthasar became Bianca and Gregory became Goneril. Rigdon also shortened the play but assures that the classic story is fully represented.
Rigdon’s previous experience includes serving as Associate Director to Sir Peter Hall, founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company for four years.
Rounding out the creative team is the director’s husband Kevin Rigdon as Scenic and Lighting Designer. The other collaborators include costume designer Kristin Knipp, hair and makeup designer Bridget Cook, sound designer Phillip Owen and associate sound designer Dylan Brynes.
The show will run for four weekends with 12 performances, both live and streamed. Performances will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for individual reserved seating are $22 or $30; student tickets are $18 or $20 with ID. Live online streaming prices begin at $22 or $30 with Broadway on Demand.
Live and streaming tickets are available at WimberleyPlayers.org or by phone (512) 847-0575.
The Wimberley Players is located at 450 Old Kyle Road in Wimberley.
