First World Problems Productions to Bring SHAKESBEER to Orlando Fringe 2015

First World Problems Productions invites attendees of 2015's Orlando International Fringe Festival to an interactive, three-person adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The free 30-minute performance will take place at The Thirsty Topher (1609 Alden Rd.) on Sunday, May 17 at 11:30 p.m.; Wednesday, May 20 at 11:30 p.m.; Friday, May 22 at 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, May 23 at 12:00 a.m.

From the producer who brought you Bachelorette (Orlando Fringe 2013), First World Problems Productions encourages Fringe-goers to belly up to the bar for a modern, lightning-fast adaptation of Romeo and Juliet in ShakesBeer. The three-person version of the Bard's beloved tragedy falls under Fringe's "Bring Your Own Venue" category, occurring four times throughout the festival at The Thirsty Topher. Complete with drinking game rules for the audience (ages 21+), the interactive performance puts the "bar" in Bard.

Casting includes Ross Neal as Romeo, following his appearance as Andrew Jackson in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at last year's Fringe Festival. Additional credits include Octavius Caesar in Julius Caesar and Frank Cheeryble and others in Nicholas Nickleby both at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

Actor Kristin Shoffner plays opposite Neal in the role of Juliet. Previous credits include Regan in Bachelorette (2013 Fringe Festival), as well as The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Boo), Into the Woods (Giantess), and Jake's Women (Edith) for Theatre UCF.

Local favorite Jennifer Bonner rounds out the cast, playing multiple characters including Nurse, Friar Lawrence, Tybalt, Benvolio, and others. Stage credits include Abby in the World Premiere of Bad Dog currently playing at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Gabriella in Boeing Boeing at Athens Theatre, and Jocelyn in SAK Comedy Lab's live sitcom Better Days.

ShakesBeer is directed and adapted by Mark Routhier (Orlando Shakespeare Theater's The Best of Enemies and The NOLA Project's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - 2015 Big Easy Award for Best Director of a Drama). Additional crew includes Stage Manager Lisa Hardt and Marketing Coordinator Melissa Landy, with artwork designed by Landon St. Gordon.

Admission to ShakesBeer is free and includes a discount on select drinks at The Thirsty Topher during each performance. Donations for the project can be made at www.indiegogo.com/projects/shakesbeer-orlando-fringe-2015. Show T-shirts and coasters are also available by donation on the Indiegogo site. For show updates and additional information, visit www.facebook.com/shakesbeer2015.

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