Baltimore (3.21.2024) - Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC) closes out its mainstage season with a heightened version of Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, set during the Age of Protest. Director Gerrad Alex Taylor transports the star-crossed lovers to a vibrant Verona, infused with the nostalgia of 1975 Baltimore. Romeo and Juliet runs from April 19 to May 12.

Two young hearts brave racial and societal tensions to defy their families’ history and unite. As music blasts from a jukebox, the backdrop in this Baltimore-inspired-Verona is the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the fight for LGBT acceptance, and the ongoing struggle for women’s rights. Along with a vicious dispute between the Montagues and Capulets, a myriad of external forces threatens the love that Romeo and Juliet share. Yet, against all odds, their fatal attraction persists, shattering their lives and changing their community forever.

Former CSC Associate Artistic Director Gerrad Alex Taylor reimagines the narrative against the volatile period of major societal change. Using the script from Shakespeare’s First Quarto and drawing from local figures like Willie and Victorine Adams, this interpretation of a well-known tale hits right at the heart of Baltimore and Shakespeare. “As an actor, director, fight choreographer, or text coach, I've been involved in more productions of Romeo & Juliet that I have fingers to count them. It is a timeless tale of love, violence, community, and coming of age that we keep coming back to because there is something intrinsic about the story that I think resonates with people of different cultures, different generations, and different ideologies,” says Taylor.  “I hope that our production sparks something timeless in the diverse audiences that Chesapeake Shakespeare engages with and through this story, set in the hard divisive streets of the 1970's, we may find connections with each other that transcend 2024, 1975, and even 1597.”

Inspired by the port city and an era of heart-wrenching conflict, CSC’s spring production will reinforce the timeless and ever-present appeal of one of the oldest love stories ever told. “CSC continues to present captivating work that resonates for a uniquely Baltimore audience and those outside of our city,” says Producing Executive Director Lesley Malin “Gerrad's compelling vision is a Romeo and Juliet for a new time. If you think you know this story, you may be surprised by how fast and ferocious this production will be. These ideas fit perfectly with our company and the stories we try to tell. This history has a right to be on stage–especially in classic theatre.”

This will be the final production at the company’s downtown Baltimore theatre for the 2023-24 season. The company will conclude the season with a special showing of The Merry Wives of Windsor at its outdoor venue in Ellicott City.

Romeo and Juliet opens Friday, April 19 with previews on April 17 and 18. Press night is April 19. The production will close on May 12. Visit www.chesapeareshakespeare.com for more information or call the box office at 410-244-8570.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Gerrad Alex Taylor

LOCATION

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is located at 7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, two blocks north of the Inner Harbor. Parking is available for the discounted rate of $5 at the Lombard Garage on 204 East Lombard Street. The theatre is also accessible using the FREE Charm City Circulator and is located on the Purple Route. For more detailed information about directions, parking, and public transportation, click here.

TICKETS

Adult tickets start at $55, tickets for youth under 25 start at $28, and preview tickets are $24. To purchase tickets, visit ChesapeakeShakespeare.com, or contact the Box Office directly by calling 410-244-8570 or visiting in person at 7 South Calvert Street. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more and active-duty military. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ChesShakes.com/rj

DATES AND TIMES

Wednesday, April 17 at 8:00pm - Preview
Thursday, April 18 at 8:00pm - Preview
Friday, April 19 at 8:00pm - Opening Night/Press Night
Saturday, April 20 at 8:00pm
Sunday, April 21 at 2:00pm
Friday, April 26 at 8:00pm
Saturday, April 27 at 8:00pm
Sunday, April 28 at 2:00pm
Thursday, May 2 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 3 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 4 at 2:00pm
Saturday, May 4 at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 5 at 2:00pm
Thursday, May 9 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 10 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 11 at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 12 at 2:00pm

 CAST LIST 

Romeo - Liam Kinna
Lord Montague - John Basiulis
Benvolio - Kate Forton*
Abram - Colin Maher
Balthasar - Daniel Sakamoto Wengel
Juliet - Arielle Moore
Lord Capulet - Gregory Burgess *•
Lady Capulet - Dawn Thomas Reidy *•
Aunty - Tamieka Chavis *+•
Tibalt - Lloyd Ekpe *•
Mercutio - Terrance Fleming *+
Paris - Isaiah Mason Harvey •
Sampson - Charlie Junkins
Gregory - Lauren Erica Jackson +•
Peter - Kainoa Sittman
Friar Laurence - Jonas Connors-Grey*

CREATIVE TEAM

Director - Gerrad Alex Taylor *+•
Production Manager - Sarah Curnoles *
Stage Manager - Alexis E. Davis *
Technical Director - Dan O'Brien *
Lighting Designer - Minjoo Kim
Sound Designer - Kaydin Hamby
Costume Designer - Tylar Hinton
Props Artisan - Caitlin Bouxsein
Projection Designer - Mark Williams
Fight Choreographer - Gerrad Alex Taylor *+•
Production Associate - Dawn Thomas Reidy *•
Assistant Director – Kathryne Daniels *
Assistant Stage Manager - Eli Bendel-Simso
Dramaturg/ Text/ Vocal Coach - Abe Stoll
Dance/ Movement Choreographer – Dance & Bmore
Intimacy Director - Sierra Young
Wardrobe Supervisor - Hannah Brill
Board Operator - Martin Smith
Senior House Manager - Pamela Forton *
Covid Safety Officer - Mandy Benedix ** CSC Company Member
+ Actors’ Equity Association
++ Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
• Black Classical Acting Ensemble Member

ABOUT CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Founded in 2002 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company brings great classic theatre to Baltimore, Howard County, the state of Maryland, and beyond. The company offers performances of Shakespeare and other plays of classic stature that are unforgettable, challenging, and innovative. In 2012, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company acquired the Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust Company building in downtown Baltimore, renovating it into a modern Globe Theater for indoor performances, while continuing to produce outdoor Shakespeare every summer at the PFI Historic Park in Howard County. The organization regularly serves 30,000+ people annually through artistic projects and intentional community engagement. CSC’s vibrant education program includes an extensive matinee series, camps, classes, and in and out-of-school residencies. The company invites patrons, students, and neighbors to become part of the creative collaboration that generates powerful, magical theatre and a more purposeful, engaged, and connected community.