“Romeo and Juliet

Many people think they have seen Shakespeare’s famous tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” because they saw the Leonardo DiCaprio movie once, or read a condensed version of the play in high school. They know the balcony scene, the intense street fighting and the tragic ending.
But, have they really seen “Romeo and Juliet” if they have not seen the version that takes place in the 1980s on the Jersey Shore?
The Lawrence University Theatre Department’s fall production, an 80-minute version of “Romeo and Juliet,” has been artistically adapted by Professor of Theatre Arts Timothy X. Troy and Lawrence graduate John Maclay, challenges those who think they know the play inside and out to take a look at the young “star-crossed” lovers from a fresh angle – an angle with big hair, aviator sunglasses and slicked-back hair.
For weeks, students in the “Romeo and Juliet” cast have been rehearsing under the direction of Troy, and they have worked to bring the 1980s Jersey Shore setting to the Cloak Theatre stage. Caroline Mandler will play the lovely Juliet, and Connor Lewis will play a lovesick Romeo.
“We began rehearsing the second week of the term,” said stage manager Ela Johnson.
“[We spent] a weekend up in Bj”rklunden, where we worked a lot with text, fight scenes, and other large cast scenes,” Johnson added.
Sam Flood, who plays the role of Mercutio, was prepared with good reasons for people to attend: “Our performance is a roller coaster of emotions, and it’s fast! People should come to the production to see our unique perspective on a classic drama.”
The vibrantly colored posters, which are plastered around campus to advertise the play, have caught the attention of many students. For those not aware, the play opened Thursday, Oct. 29 in the Cloak Theatre at 8 p.m. and will show Friday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m., as well as Saturday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.
The understudy cast will also give three matinee performances for students from Appleton East, North, and West high schools, The Academy charter school and Marian College.
Tickets are available at the Lawrence Box Office, located in the Music-Drama Center. Lawrence students may also obtain tickets at the Warch Campus Center Information Desk. Adult tickets are $10, senior and student tickets are $5 and Lawrence student tickets are free.