The fourth season of Capitol Shakespeare's summer theater features an outdoor production of "Romeo and Juliet" July 20-24 on the North Dakota Capitol grounds under co-sponsorship of Bismarck State College, the BSC Foundation and other partners.
This enduring story of young love ends in pathos and tragedy wrought by their feuding families, Capulet and Montague, in the city of Verona. A passion, a murder - both seal the fortunes of the lovers.
So sets the stage for William Shakespeare's play of romance that alternates comedy and tragedy to heighten tension and advance themes of light and darkness, love and hate, fate and chance, and time.
Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. south of the Heritage Center off Boulevard Avenue. The venue offers food concessions, pre-show entertainment and sections for lawn chairs and blankets. There is no admission charge. Donations are welcomed.
The large cast directed by Artistic Director Erin Drevlow is composed of local and professional actors ranging in age from 17 to 61, several of which are BSC students. All are from Bismarck-Mandan except Jerica Massey of Bowman, who plays Lady Capulet, Juliet's mother.
"Romance and reality must go hand in hand for love to work," Drevlow says. "I think the casting of actors in all age ranges and training levels has helped achieve that balance. We have the wisdom of age and the brash energy and emotional roller coaster of teen-agers on the same stage."
Brandon Wetch and Hannah Andring portray the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Austin Flemmer and Joel Drevlow play Mercutio and Benvolio, Romeo's friends, who challenge Tybalt, the Capulet rival played by Derek Pich. Cory Wardner is the compassionate Friar Lawrence and Emmalee Riegler acts as Juliet's nurse and conspirer with Romeo.
Tim Rosen and Brittany Kuhn are Lord and Lady Montague with BSC Theatre director Dan Rogers as Lord Capulet. Greg Frank portrays Paris, Juliet's other suitor and kinsman to Escalus, prince of Verona, played by John Clemo. Other cast members are Adam Frank as the apothecary, Derek Harper as Friar John, Ashley Clooten, Alex Johnson, Charley Conner, Tyler Sander, Kristen Solberg and Lexi Hagler. Technical director is Alex Johnson and Joanne Drevlow is scenic designer and painter.
On Saturday, July 23, Capitol Shakespeare presents another Children's Renaissance Faire from 3-6 p.m. Festivities are opened and closed by the King, who knights deserving subjects. Activities include jousting, fencing, Bocce ball, music, dancing, a coat of arms contest, mask making, scenes from "Othello" by Shade Tree Players, and more.
Capitol Shakespeare is the vision of the late Crystal Reid Austin and theater and business people committed to the bard and presenting his work to area audiences. Crowds have grown each year with productions of "Twelfth Night," "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Taming of the Shrew."
This enduring story of young love ends in pathos and tragedy wrought by their feuding families, Capulet and Montague, in the city of Verona. A passion, a murder - both seal the fortunes of the lovers.
So sets the stage for William Shakespeare's play of romance that alternates comedy and tragedy to heighten tension and advance themes of light and darkness, love and hate, fate and chance, and time.
Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. south of the Heritage Center off Boulevard Avenue. The venue offers food concessions, pre-show entertainment and sections for lawn chairs and blankets. There is no admission charge. Donations are welcomed.
The large cast directed by Artistic Director Erin Drevlow is composed of local and professional actors ranging in age from 17 to 61, several of which are BSC students. All are from Bismarck-Mandan except Jerica Massey of Bowman, who plays Lady Capulet, Juliet's mother.
"Romance and reality must go hand in hand for love to work," Drevlow says. "I think the casting of actors in all age ranges and training levels has helped achieve that balance. We have the wisdom of age and the brash energy and emotional roller coaster of teen-agers on the same stage."
Brandon Wetch and Hannah Andring portray the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Austin Flemmer and Joel Drevlow play Mercutio and Benvolio, Romeo's friends, who challenge Tybalt, the Capulet rival played by Derek Pich. Cory Wardner is the compassionate Friar Lawrence and Emmalee Riegler acts as Juliet's nurse and conspirer with Romeo.
Tim Rosen and Brittany Kuhn are Lord and Lady Montague with BSC Theatre director Dan Rogers as Lord Capulet. Greg Frank portrays Paris, Juliet's other suitor and kinsman to Escalus, prince of Verona, played by John Clemo. Other cast members are Adam Frank as the apothecary, Derek Harper as Friar John, Ashley Clooten, Alex Johnson, Charley Conner, Tyler Sander, Kristen Solberg and Lexi Hagler. Technical director is Alex Johnson and Joanne Drevlow is scenic designer and painter.
On Saturday, July 23, Capitol Shakespeare presents another Children's Renaissance Faire from 3-6 p.m. Festivities are opened and closed by the King, who knights deserving subjects. Activities include jousting, fencing, Bocce ball, music, dancing, a coat of arms contest, mask making, scenes from "Othello" by Shade Tree Players, and more.
Capitol Shakespeare is the vision of the late Crystal Reid Austin and theater and business people committed to the bard and presenting his work to area audiences. Crowds have grown each year with productions of "Twelfth Night," "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Taming of the Shrew."