Wright State Theatre presents modern take on ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Wright State Theatre will present its contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” Nov. 14–23.

Wright State University Theatre continues its 40th season with a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

Performances in the Herbst Theatre are Nov. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 16, 22 and 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for seniors and $12 for adults.

For tickets, call the box office at (937) 775-2500 or purchase single tickets online.

Written by William Shakespeare early in his career, “Romeo and Juliet” is a tragedy about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime and is one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.

Director Sandra Crews described the production as a present-day slant dealing with issues of race.

“It’s a contemporary take which is a provocative, fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat classic,” said Crews, a professor of acting at Wright State who previously directed productions of “All in the Timing” and “The Merchant of Venice.”

The set is designed by Ryan Sess (“Fences,” “The Wild Party”), lighting by Jamie Stokley (“The Cherry Orchard!”), costumes by Emily Sollinger, properties by John Lavarnway and sound by James Dunlap (“Les Miserables,” “Oklahoma!”).

On the stage, the production features Owen Kresse as Romeo, Renika Williams as Juliet, Ian Benjamin (Montague), Chris Brady (Balthasar), Alyssa Brembeck (Benvolio), Peter Cutler (Prince), Tommy DiMassimo (Tybalt), Law Dunford (Paris), Amie Lea Heller and Ellie Margolis (Nurse/Lady Montegue), Aly Hilgefort (Apothecary), Stephen Kell (Mercutio), Brandon Kinley (Capulet), Wahuria Nyambura (Gregory), Tyrell Reggins (Petruchio), Tyler Simms (Friar Laurence), Ben Tracy (Peter/Abram), Abby Murray Vachon (Lady Capulet) and Sabria Wynn (Sampson).

Wright State Theatre’s 40th season continues

Wright State Theatre’s season continues during the spring 2015 semester with “Pride and Prejudice,” Jan. 29–Feb. 8; “Peter Pan,” March 19–April 12; and “Sondheim on Sondheim,” April 17–26.

Details are available on the theatre program website.