HARTFORD—A timeless classic graces the Hartford Stage theater this Spring. William Shakespear’s poetic “Romeo & Juliet” will run from April 17 to May 18, 2025.
The upcoming production is the second Shakespeare play to be directed by Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen since she took her position in 2019. On directing “Romeo & Juliet” for the first time, “I’ve done so many comedies that I’m excited to do a lush, poetic, tragic love story. It’s right for this year,” Bensussen shared.
“An intoxicating blend of tragedy and hope, the spark of young love is ignited in Romeo and Juliet. They believe that their love will protect them, but ultimately rivalry, familial duty, and impossible choices doom their future together,” reads the Hartford Stage description.
Known as one of the greatest love stories of all time, “Romeo & Juliet” was written by Shakespeare early in his career and was first performed in 1597.
“Rife with lush romanticism, thrilling sword fights, and Shakespeare’s famously beautiful language, this captivating production is the perfect way to introduce someone to Shakespeare and will enthrall even the most seasoned fan of the Bard,” Hartford Stage writes.
The cast includes Carmen Berkeley as Juliet, Niall Cunningham as Romeo, Opa Adeyemo as Paris, Juan Arturo as Benvolio, Emily Bosco as Escalus, Brandon Burditt as Tybalt, Alejandra Escalante as Mercutio, Eva Kaminsky as Lady Capulet, Michael Samuel Kaplan as Montague, Carman Lacivita as Friar Laurence, Gerardo Rodriguez as Capulet, and Annmarie Kelly as the nurse.
The creative team includes Dale A. Merrill on choreography, Christopher & Justin Swader on scenic design, Fabian Fidel Aguilar on costume design, Dan Kotlowitz on lighting design, Darron L West on sound design, Tommy Kurzman on hair & wig design, Ted Hewlett as the fight director, Alaine Alldaffer & Lisa Donadio on casting, Nicole Wiegert as the production stage manager, and Julius Cruz and Maia G. Tivony as assistant stage managers.
Tickets start at $30. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.hartfordstage.org/, by phone at 860-527-5151, or in person through the box office at 50 Church Street, Hartford, CT.
Opening night is April 25 and there will be post-show discussions on April 27, May 6, and May 7, 2025. There will be an open-captioned performance on May 4 and an audio-described performance on May 10.
Publisher’s Notes: CT Latino News is proud to partner with Hartford Stage in supporting the state’s arts and culture.