Free Romeo and Juliet is Part of Harlem Summer Shakespeare

Pulse Ensemble Theatre will again bring free Shakespeare to the open air Riverbank State Park this summer with a multi-racial production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by the company's Artistic Director, Alexa Kelly.  Performances in Riverbank State Park begin August 3rd and continue through August 27, playing Thursday through Sunday at 8 PM on a multi-level set on the Squash Courts overlooking the Hudson River.

"Last summer's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream attracted over 5,000 people, many of whom had never seen a Shakespeare production before.   Set in New York City today, the 90 minute production reflects the urban environment in which it will be seen, while emphasizing Shakespeare's universal appeal," state press notes. 

In addition to the professional actors, the company also includes young members of the Harlem community ranging in age from 9 to 22.  Kelly said "We are bringing professional theatre to the community and bringing the community into our production."  The cast features John Williams (Romeo), Li Jun Li (Juliet), Bill Galarno (Friar), Gwendolyn Schwinke (Nurse) and Uzo Aduba (Mercutio).  In addition to Kelly's direction, the choreography is by Niles Ford, with fight sequences by Mark Silence, lighting by Eric Larsen, costumes by Kathryn Rohe, set design by Elizabeth Mae Bach and sound by Louis Lopardi.

Kelly has directed at the ALLIANCE THEATRE, Walnut Street Theatre, Attic Theatre and Academy Theatre in addition to directing 39 productions for the Pulse Ensemble Theatre which she founded in 1989 to present socially significant theatre(www.alexakellydirector.com).

For additional information about Pulse Ensemble Theatre call (212) 695-1596 or go to www.pulseensembletheatre.org.