MOUNT MORRIS — Local actors are bringing Shakespeare to life this summer with their rendition of the classic Romeo and Juliet.
The Livingston Players, directed by Chris Norton, presented the comic fantasy A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Murray Hill last summer to the enjoyment of the public. This summer’s show runs July 27 and 28 at 8 p.m., July 29 at 2 p.m. and August 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. The cost is $8 per person and all proceeds benefit the arts council and the programs it supports.
Performances take place on the lawn outside Livingston Arts. Audience members should bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Director Norton has worked with the cast to bring a fresh and modern interpretation to a timeless tale.
“Some may be surprised to find that Shakespeare’s ‘star-crossed lovers’ are nothing of the sort,” said Norton. “Shakespeare’s characters are more realistic than any you will find –anywhere in any fiction. This is certainly true of Romeo & Juliet.”
The play will be performed in a modern context, including costumes.
Included in the cast are actors from throughout Livingston County. From Avon: John Gaerhig as Friar Laurence. From Geneseo: Heather Leary as Juliet, Kait Meleski as Mercutio, Bill Alden as Juliet’s father and Nate Pollock as Prince Escalus. From Nunda: Jay Billyard as Romeo’s father and Jane Farrell as Benvolio.
Norton has trained with senior actors from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada, as well as performed roles such as Mark Antony and Berowne for the Rochester Shakespeare Players. Norton has directed over 20 community and high school productions in Livingston County in the past decade. He also directed the Rochester Shakespeare in the Park production of The Taming of the Shrew in 2006 in the Highland Park bowl.