Public Delays First Preview of Romeo and Juliet to 6/6

The Public Theater has announced that recent rains have delayed the first preview of Romeo and Juliet. The rains have delayed the preparation of scenery and production elements for Romeo and Juliet and have kept the cast from necessary rehearsals. The first preview, originally set for Tuesday, June 5th, has been moved to Wednesday, June 6th. The run of Romeo and Juliet will continue as scheduled.

The cast of Romeo and Juliet features Opal Alladin (Lady Capulet), Lauren Ambrose (Juliet), George Bartenieff (Lord Montague, Apothecary and Cousin Capulet), Ari Brand (Ensemble), Anthony Carrigan (Ensemble), Dan Colman (Paris), Michael Cristofer (Lord Capulet), Tiffany Danielle (Ensemble), Seth Duerr (Ensemble), Quincy Dunn-Baker (Ensemble), Saidah Arrika Ekulona (Lady Montague), Christian Felix (Ensemble), Brian Tyree Henry (Tybalt), Susan Hyon (Ensemble), Oscar Isaac (Romeo), Camryn Manheim (Nurse) , Orville Mendoza (Ensemble), Owiso Odera (Benvolio), Jeffrey Omura (Ensemble), Lucas Papaelias (Ensemble), Austin Pendleton (Friar Laurence), Mary Rasmussen (Ensemble), Michael Rossmy (Ensemble), Cornelius Smith, Jr. (Ensemble), Alexander Sovronsky (Ensemble), Timothy D. Stickney (Prince Escalus), and Christopher Evan Welch (Mercutio).

Directed by Michael Greif, Romeo and Juliet will begin previews at the Delacorte Theater on Wednesday, June 6th. Performances will continue through Sunday, July 8th. The press opening will be Sunday, June 24th.

As previously announced, this summer's second offering of Shakespeare in the Park will be A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Daniel Sullivan. A Midsummer Night's Dream is scheduled to begin previews on Tuesday, August 7th. Performances will continue through Sunday, September 9th.

Performances of Shakespeare in the Park will be Tuesday Through Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are free and will be available on the day of the performance (two per person) at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park beginning at 1:00 p.m. and at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street (near Astor Place), from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The closest entrances to the Delacorte are at 81st Street and Central Park West or 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.

For additional information about Shakespeare in the Park, call (212) 539-8750 or visit The Public Theater website at www.publictheater.org.

Photo of Lauren Ambrose by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.