Performances Nov. 7-9 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 10 at 3 p.m.
WILSON, N.C. – “Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene.” These powerful words set the stage for Theatre at Barton’s performance of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” opening on stage in the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre on the campus of Barton College in Wilson. Evening performances will be held Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 7-9, at 8 p.m., and an afternoon performance will follow on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m.
Marking a first for Theatre at Barton, this production travels off campus for performances at Rocky Mount’s Maria V. Howard Arts Center at The Imperial Centre beginning Thursday, Nov. 14, with evening performances Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 14-16, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. This play is co-produced in partnership with the Maria V. Howard Arts Center.
“‘Romeo and Juliet’ is perhaps the best known and most performed of Shakespeare’s marvelous tragedies,” said Adam Twiss, director of Theatre at Barton. “It is the quintessential story of star-crossed lovers who meet an untimely end, leaving the world to mourn their loss and reconsider their own actions that could have prevented it. This is in every way a co-production, with the two organizations sharing resources and talent to bring forth a most engaging and endearing production, and we feel it is only the tip of the iceberg where future collaborative opportunities are concerned.”
An array of actors from the Barton, Wilson, and Rocky Mount communities are involved in the production. The cast includes Chuck Baker, Stephanie Barsanti, Andrew Beal, Chris Byrd, Morgan Cobb, Allison Dellinger, Hannah Finkelstein, James Guy, Tad Harrell, Michelle Hickey, Sarah Kilgore, Tracy LaMastus, Alan Lane, Samantha Larkin, Laura Beth Lee, Nia Louden, Melanie Christensen Lubinsky, Shawn P. McCauley, Morgan McNamara, Dale Newkirk, Laura Parker, Teresa Peterson, Ivan Price, Kara Rapp, Tammy Reason, Maggie Len Slaughter, David Smith, Diana Torres, Billy Turnage, Elijah Twiss, Isabel Twiss, and David Winstead.
“Romeo and Juliet” is directed by Twiss. Chris Bernier oversees scenic and lighting design. Jim Julio serves as technical director of Imperial Centre. Greg Davis is stage manager, Luke Aeschleman is fight choreographer, Trish Bradshaw is dance choreographer, Patricia Allen is costumer, Sharon Montano is in charge of hair and makeup, and Alexx Deem, Mariana Forero, Lydia Cauley and Rapp make up the production crew.
General admission for the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre performances is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and members of the military, $7 for non-Barton students, and $2 for Barton students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available at the door, and can also be purchased online at www.barton.edu/theatre. For group rates and other questions, please contact Adam Twiss at (252) 399-6484 or ajtwiss@barton.edu.
Maria V. Howard Arts Center general admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students with proper ID, and $6 for children 10 and under. For more information, contact The Imperial Centre at (252) 972-1163 or arts@imperialcentre.org.
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