Greif to Direct Shakespeare in the Park Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare's immortal love story Romeo and Juliet will be performed as the first production of the Public Theater's summer Shakespeare in the Park season.

Michael Greif, the director of Grey Gardens and Rent, will direct the production, which will run from June 5th through July 8th.

It was also previously announced that Tony Award-winner Brian Dennehy (upcoming Inherit the Wind, Death of a Salesmasn) will star in the second Shakespeare in the Park show, running from August 7th through September 9th.  As Dennehy was considering playing Falstaff, the play is likely to be Henry IV, Part I, Henry IV, Part II or Merry Wives of Windsor.

Casting has not yet been announced for Romeo and Juliet, which recounts the tale of two star-crossed lovers from feuding families.  Greif's other Broadway credits include Never Gonna Dance, and he has also directed such plays as Machinal, Pericles and A Bright Room Called Day for the Public Theater.

All Shakespeare in the Park productions play the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park.

Visit www.publictheater.org for more on the Public Theater.

Photo of Michael Greif by Linda Lenzi