Prime Stage Theatre Presents ROMEO AND JULIET 4/17-4/25

Taking her cue from the stars, Director Lora Oxenreiter uses celestial inspiration for the upcoming Prime Stage production of literature's most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet.

"At the time Romeo and Juliet was written, there was a strong belief that our lives were pre-ordained by the stars," said Oxenreiter. "Consequently, I've tried to use costumes, color and make-up to show how the Capulets and Montagues are ‘branded' by fate."

While she is using a medieval mindset, her production of Romeo and Juliet is set in a nondescript time frame, mixing elements from different periods.

"We've kept the original text and the sword play, but we're filtering it through a 21st Century perspective." Oxenreiter continued, "The costumes have a Renaissance silhouette, but we are also using modern pieces as hooded sweatshirts and T-shirts." In keeping with the modern "take," the apothecary is played as a drug dealer.

The overall effect is eclectic. "It really helps to point out the ‘timelessness' of the story," said Oxenreiter.

Some of the fifteen member cast play more than one role. Oxenreiter is also pleased with her youthful performers.

"So often adults play the young lovers. I have cast teenagers as Romeo and Juliet-in keeping with Shakespeare's intentions for the tale."

Well-known local actor David Crawford is lending his professional expertise to the production, assisting the cast with the Shakespearean language. According to Oxenreiter, the meaning of the text will come through clearly trough the cast's actions and character portrayals.

Oxenreiter won last year's prize for Best Director at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. She has directed for such local companies as South Park and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre as well as the yearly musical at Ambridge High School.

"My goal in this production is to open the door to Shakespeare for students. I've tried to draw parallels between Romeo and Juliet and the lives of young people today, to relate those events to modern life. If students can see the language is not daunting, I hope it will promote them to read more Shakespeare."

She concluded by saying, "I want them to see Shakespeare is not just some old, dead, white guy writing about the remote past. If I can get our audiences to feel something, to connect to a reality they never paid attention to before-then I will have done my job as a director."

Romeo and Juliet runs April 17-25 at the Hazlett Theatre, Allegheny Square East on Pittsburgh's historic North Side. For tickets, contact ProArts at 412-394-3353 or www.proartstickets.org. For more information, visit http://www.primestage.com/