ROMEO & JULIET Bring Their Tragic Love Story To MCCC's Kelsey Theatre 6/26-7/5

Romeo and Juliet play out their tragic love story at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre this summer. Shakespeare '70, Mercer County's classic repertory company, kicks off the Kelsey Summer Series with "Romeo and Juliet" Fridays and Saturdays June 26, 27 and July 3 at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 4 at 2 p.m., and Sundays, June 28 and July 5 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road. This year marks Shakespeare '70's fortieth consecutive year of performing Shakespeare.

Arguably Shakespeare's most famous play, "Romeo and Juliet" tells the story of two "star-crossed lovers" from the feuding families of Montague and Capulet who risk everything to be together. From their first shy and tender meeting at a masquerade ball, to the famous balcony scene and their declaration of everlasting love, to the miscommunications that lead to their tragic deaths, "Romeo and Juliet" is a timeless story of love, fate and the destructiveness of prejudice. This multi-themed play has been adapted numerous times for opera, stage, screen and musical theater, including Stephen Sondheim's "West Side Story," which is currently enjoying a hugely popular Broadway revival.

Directed by Frank Erath, Shakespeare '70 will feature James Introcaso of Collingswood and Heather Duncan of Aberdeen in the title roles; John Anastasio of Trenton as Escalus, Prince of Verona; Ray Fallon of Westmont as Paris; Tom and Cheryl Curbishley of Lawrenceville as Lord and Lady Montague; George Hartpence and Carol Thompson of New Hope, PA as Lord and Lady Capulet; Fred Halperin of Hillsborough as Mercutio; Rudy Basso of North Plainfield as Benvolio; Patrick Albanesius of Hamilton as Tybalt; N. Charles Leeder of Trenton as Friar Lawrence; Roger Lienhardt of New Hope, PA as Friar John; Vegas Lancaster of Cherry Hill as Balthasar; Davis Verde of North Bergen as Abraham; Michael Krahel of Hillsborough as Sampson; Mark Smith of Carlstadt as Gregory; Tom Moffit of West Trenton as Peter; Tristan Curbishley of Lawrenceville as Young Montague; Janet Quartarone of Flemington as the Nurse; Maddie Patrick of Bridgewater as Rosalind; and Laura Hargreaves of Mount Laurel as a Lady in Waiting. For more information about Shakespeare '70, visit www.shakespeare70.org.

Tickets for are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request.

Other Kelsey Theatre summer shows include ""Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" from July 10-19; "Assassins" from July 24-Aug 2; and "Musical of Musicals: The Musical!" from Aug. 14-Aug. 23. Subscribers to the four-show series will save over 40% off the regular ticket prices. Learn more by visiting the Kelsey Theatre website at www.kelseytheatre.net.

Photo1 : James Introcaso and Heather Duncan

Photo 2: George Hartpence, Heather Duncan, James Introcaso and Tom Curbishley