The timeless Shakespeare classic, “Romeo and Juliet” will grace the Clarence Brown Theatre stage from April 11 to 26. This production, directed by Paul Barnes, features a host of UT undergraduate students, professional actors and guest artists.
Romeo and Juliet fall in love in the midst of a violent society spurred by animosity resulting from an ancient feud between their two families, the Capulets and Montagues. Juliet’s nurse and Friar Laurence go to great lengths to help the two be together and keep their love a secret. However, the plan is flawed and the young lovers soon meet their tragic destiny.
Barnes is nationally known for his experience and expertise directing Shakespeare. He previously directed “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” for the CBT.“The challenge of directing Shakespeare is to be as specific as possible about the language so that specificity and clarity translate from the actors to the audience as effortlessly as possible,” said Barnes. “To get to hear the story told again through the voices of young actors is a particular kind of thrill. It is a privilege to help guide young actors through a story which may resonate for them on many levels making it that much more exciting.” UT undergraduates John Ulen and Paige Cannon star as Romeo and Juliet alongside CBT favorites, John Forrest Ferguson as Lord Capulet and Terry Weber as Friar Laurence.  Special guests include: Scot Mann, Executive Director of the Atlanta Stage Combat Studio, as fight director; Nancy Houfek, Head of Voice and Speech at American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University, as text and dialect coach; Bill Clarke, set designer, who designed Broadway’s “A Walk in the Woods,” and Bill Black, UT professor who has designed costumes for Shakespeare festivals across the country, as costume designer. “Romeo and Juliet” previews Thursday, April 10 followed by opening night Friday, April 11. The show will run through Saturday, April 26. Ticket prices are $17 to $23 and on opening night, $33. Call the Clarence Brown Theatre box office at 974-5161 or Tickets Unlimited at 656-4444 to order tickets.

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