Photo Flash: First Look at Christopher Allen, Laura Rook and More in CST's SHORT SHAKESPEARE! ROMEO AND JULIET

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet, a 75-minute abridged production of Shakespeare's tragedy of true love found-and tragically lost, adapted and staged by Jeff Award-winning director and Chicagoan of the Year in Theater Rachel Rockwell. Providing a quality, family-friendly introduction to Shakespeare on Saturday mornings from February 23 to March 23, 2013, the cast of Rockwell's production includes Chicago actors Christopher Allenand Laura Rook, who make their CST debuts in the title roles. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.

Actors returning to Chicago Shakespeare for Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Julietare Lynn Robert Berg as Friar Laurence/Lord Montague, Melissa Carlson as Lady Capulet, Alejandro Cordoba as Sampson/Ensemble (through March 9), Kurt Ehrmann as Lord Capulet, Maureen Gallagher as Nurse, Tim Gittings as Peter/Friar John, Nicholas Harazin as Benvolio and Edgar Miguel Sanchez as Sampson/Ensemble (starting March 11). Making their Chicago Shakespeare debuts are Samuel Ashdown as Tybalt, Kamal Angelo Bolden as Prince/Paris, Jeb Burris as Mercutio and Christopher Sheard as Balthazar/Apothecary/Ensemble.

Rockwell's production team for Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet includes Scenic Designer Scott Davis, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Lighting DesignerGreg Hofmann, Composer Ethan Deppe, Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal, Properties Master Chelsea Meyers, Fight Choreographer Matt Hawkins and Verse Coach Matt Schwader.

Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet is performed Saturdays at 11 a.m. from February 23 to March 23, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Tickets are on sale now for $16-$20, and all patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Immediately following each Saturday performance, actors will remain on stage for a discussion with the audience, and audience members are invited to join the actors for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities in CST's lobbies after the discussion. The duo sign-interpreted performance for patrons with hearing impairments will be held on March 23. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Christopher Allen and Laura Rook

Christopher Allen and Laura Rook

Samuel Ashdown, Jeb Burris and Company

Christopher Allen and Laura Rook