Photo by Richard Frank, Frantvisuals, LLC

(LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia presents William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet weekends from November 8-24, 2024. The production is directed by Rachel Alt.

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene.  Shakespeare's  world-renowned  tragedy  of  two young "star-cross'd lovers" and the role played by their  tragic suicides in ending a long-running family feud. This production explores the darker themes of passion, destruction, fate over free will and the consequences of unchecked hatred.

The cast includes Jonathan Bethea (Friar Lawrence), Sean Buckley (Mercutio), Brandon Conti (Tybalt), Marisa Dolkart (Petra/Peter), Danny Duda (Romeo), Ellyn Essig (AOD/Apothecary/Friar John), Samantha Fagone (Balthasar/Rosaline), Carol Fisher (Prince), Alice Garcia (Ensemble), Marc Leland (Paris/Gregory), Pamela Locsh (Lady Capulet), Matilda Musser (Juliet/Sampson), Scout Schiro (Ensemble), Amy Sellars (Nurse), Joshua Switala (Benvolio), Joellen Tierney (Ensemble), and Glenn Woertz (Lord Capulet).

Friday and Saturday, November 8,9,15 (Talkback, Q&A),16,22,23 @ 8:00pm; and Sunday, November 10,17,24 @ 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Performances take place at 130 Grand Avenue in Leonia, New Jersey.

There will be an Opening Night Reception following the performance on Friday, November 8th and a Talkback/Q&A following the performance on Friday, November 15.  Join the Cast, Director Rachel Alt and guests at the Talkback/Q&A.  Ask questions, admire the sword play, dive in as the cast discuss how they prepare to bring to life one of theater's greatest plays.

Director Rachel Alt discusses why she chose to direct Romeo & Juliet, and other wonderful elements of this Production in this video.

The crew includes Rachel Alt (Director), Carol Fisher (Producer), Kathleen Ruland (Assistant Director/Stage Manager), Gerard Bourcier (Set Designer), Ellyn Essig (Décor/Consulting Director), Scout Schiro (Costume Designer), Lola Yona (Crew Chief), Roger Stude (Verse Coach), Jaerd Kirby (Fight Director), Glenn Woertz (Fight Captain), Megan Carver (Intimacy Coach), and Adison Essig (Artwork).

Founded in 1919, the Players Guild of Leonia is a non-profit, resident acting company at the Civil War Drill Hall Theater (built in 1859).  They are New Jersey's oldest continuing community theater group (since 1919), and located just five minutes from the George Washington Bridge and a short bus ride from Manhattan.