The Classic Family Feud: “Romeo and Juliet” Comes to the Silver Center

David MacNeill and Alexandra Flammia as Romeo and Juliet

The Shakespearean tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” is a familiar tale. It is arguably the most recognizable portrayal of forbidden love. Now, these two star-crossed lovers are coming to PSU’s Hanaway Theatre to fall in love all over again. PSU’s particular performance may be different from what audiences are accustomed to.

Even back in Elizabethan England, Shakespeare’s plays were rarely shown in their entirety. “I actually began working on the play this summer and I cut the script. So, I got to keep in it what I wanted to focus on,” said Director Sharon Paquette. “I’ve chosen all the music, so the vision of the show started with me. I’ve talked to all the designers as well, so the vision gets to them, and we have conversations that go back and forth to make sure all the design elements coordinate.”

Mercutio (B. Christopher Williams) is the anti-romantic foil to Romeo’s idealistic passion towards love. “He’s such an iconic character, one of the best written by Shakespeare,” said Williams. “He’s so comedic and so dark at the same time, but he’s caught up with his friend being in this battle that he has no interest in.”

Fight choreographer and alum, Tyler Rich, choreographed the iconic swordfight sequences. “What Sharon’s trying to do is take the Renaissance and also take modern-day and combine them,” said Williams, “so, it’s two worlds collided, two worlds divided, much like in the play.”

Benvolio (John Rumore) makes a genuine effort to diffuse the conflicts that arise between the characters. “He just tries to do what’s best for his house and it never seems to work,” said Rumore.

First-year Alexandra Flammia, who is playing Juliet in her first show at PSU, talked about her character. “I have been exploring into the bravery of Juliet’s character, into someone who would risk so much in her life for the person she loves,” said Flammia.

Romeo and Juliet is playing Mar. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., Mar. 5 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Mar. 6 at 2 p.m. in the Hanaway Theatre in PSU’s Silver Center for the Arts. Call 603-535-2787 or visit https://www.plymouth.edu/silver-center for tickets.