Timeless Shakespearean Love Story, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Comes to Highlander Theatre March 28-31

WARRENSBURG, MO – Experience a timeless theatre classic as University of Central Missouri (UCM) Theatre and Dance and UCM Music present William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in the James L. Highlander Theatre at 7:30 p.m. March 28-30 and at 2 p.m. March 30-31.

In “Romeo and Juliet” watch the beloved poetic language of Shakespeare come to life with contemporary visuals and breathtaking performances only fitting for UCM’s most prominent stage. This  Shakespearean tragedy follows the epic love story of Romeo and Juliet, and their struggles of fighting to be together while their families, the Montagues and the Capulets, fight each other.

When asked about the production, the play’s director, Dr. Aaron Scully, stated, “There is nothing like tackling a Shakespeare play, especially the one considered the greatest love story ever told. The discoveries and excitement in the rehearsal room has been palpable and the students have wholly embraced our concept, the story, and most important, the language of the Bard. I think audiences are in for quite the journey.  We have really done our best to bring this story into a world of today, to make it as relatable as possible. It is funny, violent, sweet and tragic - all the things that make a Shakespeare play great.”

The matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31 is a pay-what-you-can performance. Audiences may choose to pay any amount, $1 or above, for a ticket. Additionally, for the 7:30 p.m. Thursday performance, ASL interpreters will be provided. New this year, all tickets for UCM Theatre and Dance productions are free for
UCM students upon showing their UCM student ID. Tickets are also free for active military, veterans, and military families when purchased at the Theatre and Dance Box Office with a military ID.

The cast includes: Danny Gage as Romeo, Grace Clark as Juliet, Shanna Sinow as Mercutio, Madison Keep as Benvolio, Rosalyn Schuster as Tybalt, Molly Jones as Nurse, Quinn Allen as Friar Lawrence, Cal Klaus as Paris, Finn Juliano as Capulet, Reagan Weber as Lady Capulet, Keyvon Lewis as Montague, Reagan Kliethermes as Lady Montague, Josie Hougham as Prince, Mason Enright as Gregory/1st Servant, Grace’e Carr as Sampson/Friar John/Capulet Gang, Jen White as Abraham/2nd Servant/Montague Gang, and Jake Collins as Messenger/Apothecary/Montague Gang.

The production team includes: Director, Dr. Aaron Scully; Stage Manager, Joseph Devero; Assistant Stage Manager, Kyp Bellis; Lighting Design, Gracie Heath; Sound Design, Aleksandra Combs, Scenic Design and Technical Direction, Spencer Musser; Costume, Hair and Makeup Designer, Lauren Smith Bearden; Properties Design, Molly Blackburn; Fight Choreographer, Lily Blouin; Shakespeare Consultant, Aubrey Deeker Hernandez; Costume Shop Supervisor, Cassie Kay Hoppas; Assistant Sound Design and Sound Board Operator, Samuel Fischer; Assistant Lighting Design, Braeden Sholes; Light Board Operator, Sophia Gregory; Publicity/Marketing Director, Dr. Aaron Scully; Social Media Marketing Specialist, Shanna Sinow; Graduate Shop Assistant, Dalima Kapten; Wardrobe Crew, Maysen Camara, Emma Cochran, Reagan Medlock, Sheree Moody, and Caleb Wands; Scene and Lighting Shop Hires, Gracie Heath, Grace Clark, Sam Fischer, Wesley Freeman, Braeden Sholes and Rosalyn Schuster; Costume Shop Hires, Paige Hull, Sage Miller, Lucy Nutt, Alannah Trigg, and Raegan Weber; Box Office Manager, Lars Jepsen; Assistant Box Office, Grace Clark and Shanna Sinow; House Manager, Hanna Wilson; Office Professional, Lars Jepsen; Office Student Assistants, Shanna Sinow and Grace Clark.

Free parking is available in the parking lot directly south of the Highlander Theatre. Individuals who have questions about the production should contact, Dr. Aaron Scully at ascully@ucmo.edu  or call the Theatre and Dance main office at 660-543-4020.

Tickets are available at the UCM Theatre and Dance Office in Martin 113, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, by calling 660-543-8811 or online at https://ucmboxoffice.universitytickets.com. Individuals who have questions about tickets should please call 660-543-8811 or email boxoffice@ucmo.edu.