Billie Wyatt as Juliet, Raphael Nash Thompson as Friar Laurence, and Isaac Hickox-Young as Romeo. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents Romeo and Juliet at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre from September 10 – October 5, 2025. Attending this show will remind you of why it is one of the most popular and influential plays in literature.
Directed by Bonnie J. Monte, this production is beautiful and powerful. Strange how after so many years it has that special quality where it is relevant to the atmosphere prevalent in society today. Director Monte stated that concept very well:
What’s happening all over the world, and especially here in America, has given me a whole new, visceral understanding of the ‘civil strife’ that occurs in Romeo and Juliet. I don’t think that American artists have, for the most part, dealt with the ‘hate half’ of the play effectively,” said Monte. “Most of the productions I have seen, including my own, have dealt with the ‘love half’ of the play much more successfully. But without the equal, though horrendous, power of hate providing an equal, opposing force for the conflict, we really don’t do justice to what Shakespeare is trying to make us feel and comprehend.
Director Monte’s statement reiterates the concept that the genus of Shakespeare’s writing brings on new revelations with the circumstances of the time. Romeo and Juliet speaks about young love but it is more than that. The production at STNJ uses stripped down but functional sets to allow the characters to shine though. The costumes are lovely. The sword fighting is gripping. But most of all, the well delivered acting is what stands out.
A Classic Story: Romeo and Juliet centers on two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. They fight in public and regard the family opposite of theirs as an enemy. After a sword fight in the town square, Romeo learns about a ball that the Capulets are hosting. In an attempt to see the love of his life, Rosaline, Romeo goes in disguise to the ball.
The scenes at the ball are beautifully done as lovely costumes abound. The appearance of the Capulet house uses soft lighting creating a romantic effect. At the ball, Romeo sees Juliet and falls instantly in love with her.
So smitten is Romeo that he remains behind near the Capulet house waiting to see Juliet. And thus, the famous balcony scene takes place where the couple declare their love for each other. Several well known phrases are heard: Juliet asks: “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” Romeo asks: “But, soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” And finally, Juliet says: “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” Once again, the production uses soft lighting and a set that allows the actors to stand out. The balcony scene is delivered in respectful tones and ones that seeks the promise of fulfilling a love that each feels they deserve.
The couple decide to marry and the next day, Friar Laurence performs the wedding ceremony. In many ways, the understated tone of the ceremony provides a moment to reflect on the love that Romeo and Juliet are just beginning to share. Their joy after their marriage is apparent which makes the final death scenes hard to accept.
Following the ceremony more fighting breaks out and Romeo refuses to fight. However, in the heat of the fighting, Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished by the Prince. The intensity of the sword fighting stands out and it seems real at times.
Friar Laurence arranges for Romeo and Juliet to spend the night together before Romeo is banished. Unfortunately, not knowing about Juliet’s marriage to Romeo, her father, Lord Capulet arranges for her to marry Paris.
A Plan that Goes Wrong: A plan is hatched by Friar Laurence to give Juliet a sleeping formula that makes her appear dead. Word is supposed to be sent to Romeo about what has happened but he never gets it. When he arrives at the tomb he thinks Juliet is dead. He takes a mixture that kills him. As he is dying he says, “O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.”
The darkness enveloping the stage creates an atmosphere of sadness. So when Juliet awakes and sees Romeo dead, she kills herself with these words: “O happy dagger, This is thy sheath: there rust, and let me die.”
Because of their children’s deaths, the families at last make peace. And the final words of the show are recited: F”or never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” This final moment of reconciliation gives hope to all who watch that such resolutions are possible.
A Cast Who Delivers Exquisite Performances: There is a cast of fifteen, who all turn in wonderful performances.
In the lead roles are Billie Wyatt who plays the part of Juliet with Isaac Hickox-Young as Romeo. An interesting side note is that these two star crossed lovers are a real life couple. The pair first met during the Theatre’s 2019 Shakespeare LIVE! touring production of Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps that experience played a part in the way they approach their roles. It is delightful to see Juliet’s exuberant entrance on stage. The way she moves and her excitement of all that is going on around her makes you feel like you are watching a very young girl. Romeo projects his disappointment with his love of Rosaline just like a young, but inexperienced man might do.
The remainder of the cast includes: Celeste Ciulla as the Nurse, Dino Curia as Paris, and Edward Furs as Prince Escalus, Robert S. Gregory appears as Lord Montague, Anthony Marble as Lord Capulet, Quentin McCuiston as Mercutio, and Raphael Nash Thompson as Friar Laurence. Aurea Tomeski plays Lady Capulet. Newcomers Christopher Atchison, Ryan N. Murray, Nicole Lawrie, Triever Sherwood, and Godswill Utionkpan are making their Main Stage debuts with this production.
Go to See Romeo and Juliet
I highly recommend going to see this production of Romeo and Juliet. Tickets can be purchased through the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s website. Tickets may also be purchased by contacting the Theatre’s Box Office.
This show runs until October 5, 2025 at the F. M. Kirby Shakepeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Free parking convenient to the entrance of the venue is available.
Special Events
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey provides Special Events to help enhance your theatrical experiences. During the run of Romeo and Juliet, the following will take place:
Know-the-Show Series: Thursday, September 18th starting at 6:45 PM – A pre-show talk with the artistic team.
Sensory Seminar: Thursday, September 18th starting at 6:30 PM A pre-show experience for Blind/low-vision patrons.
The performance on September 18th will also include Closed-Captioning and Audio Description for patrons who require those services.
Storefront to Stage: Friday, September 19th starting at 6:30 PM – A chance to meet and support local businesses before show and at intermission.
Symposium Series #2: Saturday, September 20th following matinee performance -A lively post-show chat with the cast and artistic team.
Hobnob & Hang: Friday, September 26th following performance – A chance to mix and mingle after the show. Complimentary bites and cash bar available.
Symposium Series #3: Saturday, September 27th following matinee performance – A lively post-show chat with the cast and artistic team.
Montague Masquerade: Friday, October 3rd starting at 6:30 PM = A richly romantic pre-show gathering hosted on the patio. Venetian masks encouraged!
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