8/1/2007 12:02:00 PM Montagues and Capulets arrive at Chetzemoka
“Romeo and Juliet” shows off Port Townsend’s young and upcoming talent. From left, counter clockwise, are Emma Kelety, Eliza Dawson, Elizabeth Dennison, Chloe Dawson, Alanna Dailey, Cecilia Bahls and Olivia Noelle. – Photo by Kathie Meyer
Art Reitsch and Patricia Earnest play Juliet’s parents, Lord and Lady Capulet, who have chosen Paris as Juliet’s intended husband. – Photo by Kathie Meyer
For three weekends this August, Key City Players presents perhaps the most well-known love story in the English language, Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," in the magical outdoor setting of Port Townsend's waterfront Chetzemoka Park.
"Romeo & Juliet" is the theater's annual Shakespeare in the Park production, a richly staged, family-friendly event that has become a beloved summer entertainment tradition.
In Shakespeare's early tragedy of dueling families, the forces of love upon two individuals are never more powerfully conveyed. When familial and societal duties run counter to their hearts' desires, Romeo and Juliet are catapulted to extreme actions in this poignant drama.
"No wonder 'Romeo & Juliet' was Shakespeare's biggest hit," says director Lawrason Driscoll, a former professional actor with credits on and off Broadway and in films and television, who is directing his second Shakespeare in the Park production.
"Masterfully written, the play captures us with its passion, beautiful language and non-stop action. Come see it and fall in love again," Driscoll urges.
Shakespeare was inspired to write "Romeo and Juliet" after he found the poem "The Tragical Historye of Romeus and Juliet," written by Arthur Brooke in 1562. Brooke's story was based on real lovers who lived in Verona, Italy, who died for each other in the year 1303. It is believed that Shakespeare's play was first staged sometime between 1594 and 1595.
The young actors who play Romeo (Ben Rezendes) and Juliet (Torrey Berkson) have been seen in recent Shakespeare in the Park productions ? Rezendes in last year's "Taming of the Shrew" and Berkson in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 2005.
This is the second time Patricia Earnest, in the role of Lady Capulet, has played Torrey Berkson's mother ? the duo was also paired as mother and daughter in last year's KCP mainstage production of "Mrs. Warren's Profession."
The troupe of 32 local actors also includes Art Reitsch as Lord Capulet, Peter Brinch as Lord Montague and Jack O'Connor as Friar Laurence, and Key City Players newcomers Pamela Deckett as the Nurse, Alex Lovett as Mercutio, Bill Mawhinney as the Prince, Stephen Plachta as Tybalt, and Ann Swallow as Lady Montague.
Veteran set designer Ian Keith has created a miniature town of Verona in the southeast corner of the park ? complete with Juliet's balcony ? and scenic artist Michelle Stay has brought the set to life with her vibrant painting. Costume designer Ginger McNew has conjured elegant Renaissance costumes for the large cast.
Fight choreographer Erik Van Buezekom has coached eight of the performers in two thrilling fight scenes that promise action, athleticism and historical accuracy. Not content with swordplay alone, the actors fight with rapiers and not a little spilt blood.
Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the grass and to dress warmly for when the sun goes down. There will be a limited number of blankets available for rental. Picnic fare is welcome and light refreshments are available at the concession stand, with proceeds supporting Key City Players' scholarship fund.
Jefferson Transit will make extra stops on its downtown shuttle ($1.25 all-day fare) for Shakespeare in the Park, with the buses stopping at the Haines Place Park-and-Ride, the ferry terminal and Chetzemoka Park from 5 to 8 p.m.
For those with limited mobility, Discovery Bay Golf Club provides golf-cart transport from the park entrance at Jackson and Blaine streets down the hill to the performance venue. Sound amplification is provided.
"Romeo & Juliet" runs Aug. 3-19 at Chetzemoka Park in Port Townsend. Performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6 p.m. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. No advance tickets or reservations are needed; suggested donation is $12. For further information, call 385-7396 or visit www.keycityplayers.org.
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