Shakespeare-Based Musical Fools and Lovers to Play Off-Bway

Moonwork, Inc. – a company "known for its imaginative, original interpretations of Shakespeare" – returns with its first fully staged production in three years, Fools and Lovers, a new musical based on text from Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, and other Shakespeare classics.

Fools and Lovers "tells the story of a wedding gone awry. Surrounded by a colorful family and wedding party that includes Demetrius as Best Man and Helena as Maid of Honor, a young Groom and his Bride – who just happen to be named Romeo and Juliet – question the uncertainties, and silliness, of love and wonder if it's better 'to be or not to be…married," according to production notes.

Previews begin September 21, with an official press opening September 28 at the Connelly Theatre (220 East 4th Street) in Manhattan.

Gregory Wolfe directs. Fools and Lovers has original music by Andrew Sherman; and adaptation by Gregory Sherman and Gregory Wolfe.

Fools and Lovers features Djola Branner, David DelGrosso, Kate Greer, Lynn Lobban, Rhonda S. Musak, David Pixley, Yvonne Roen, Jonathan Todd Ross, Emily Shoolin, and James Wolfe. The production features choreography by Jena Necrason; set design by Kanae Heike; costume design by Oana Botez-Ban; lighting design by Alison Brummer; and musical direction by Joseph Reina.

Performances of Fools and Lovers run September 21 through October 15 at Connelly Theatre (220 East 4th Street); Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $18. For reservations, call SmartTix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.smarttix.com.