Union County Brings Shakespeare's Romantic Masterpiece to Echo Lake Park

Union County's free Shakespeare in the park tour of Romeo and Juliet continues on Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, admission is free.

Pack a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to Echo Lake Park this Thursday to enjoy the most famous love story ever written, featuring The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Next Stage Ensemble performingRomeo and Juliet.

"Romeo and Juliet has been the iconic love story by which all others are measured. Shakespeare's most popular romantic tragedy is as relevant today as it was 450 years ago," said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. "This summer's tour of Romeo and Juliet in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the most beloved playwright who ever lived."

Additional tour performances in Union County parks include:

Sunday, July 26 Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, Linden 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 30 Oak Ridge Park, Clark 7:00 p.m. This performance is sponsored in part by Whole Foods Market Clark.

Monday, August 3 Echo Lake Park, Mountainside 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 7 Oak Ridge Park, Clark 7:00 p.m.

In the words of the Bard himself, "For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and Romeo."

Written around 1594, Romeo and Juliet has been a favorite of audiences for over 400 years.

In the hot summer streets of Verona, two idealistic teens discover love in a society consumed by senseless brutality. Filled with witty wordplay, lyric poetry, and flashy swordfights, Romeo and Juliet remains one of the most gripping and moving tragedies by William Shakespeare.

The Next Stage Ensemble, the Shakespeare Theatre's summer touring company of early career actors, is part of the Theatre's Summer Professional Training Program which offers students working toward a career in the performing arts clear instruction, individual attention, and thoughtful and candid evaluation in a professional theatre environment. The Next Stage Ensemble works with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's resident and guest directors on two fully developed productions of abridged classic plays. The troupe tours to various locations throughout the state - including libraries, retirement homes and community centers.

For more information or for a complete listing of summer events visit ucnj.org.

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