Music-Filled ROMEO AND JULIET Up Next At The Wilma Theater

Lean, vibrant, and rewired with a youthful jolt of energy and activism, this isn't the play your eighth grade teacher made you read. An age old feud, fueled by a cycle of violence and power, spiraling out of control. A generation seeking more meaning than their parents' world will allow. A burgeoning love that tries to defy it all. Artistic Director Blanka Zizka helms a refreshed re-telling of Shakespeare's famous love story, running at the Wilma from January 15 through February 9, 2019.

Drawing from a range of contemporary influences from the "Rich Kids of Instagram" to the Parkland, FL student founders of the March for Our Lives, Zizka's intention with the project is to approach the text as a new play, editing out passages that have become laden with over-saturated tropes and clichés through the play's four centuries of productions. The Wilma's Romeo and Juliet features actors from the Wilma's resident HotHouse Company, with Philly favorites Matteo Scammel and Taysha Marie Canales respectively tackling the titular star-crossed lovers. The production will include a live, onstage band, led by local singer/songwriter Gracie Martin, who has composed a host of original music using Shakespeare's text as inspiration. A chorus of students from the University of the Arts, embodying the frustration of the young denizens of Verona rounds out the impressive creative roster.

Zizka hopes to continue the Wilma's successful legacy of breathing new life into classical texts. Most recently, her direction of a critically acclaimed, 2015 production of Hamlet featured one of the first Black women ever cast in the title role, actress Zainab Jah.

Cafe Chats: Post-Show after every performance: An informal discussion about the production with Wilma artists and staff, held in Good Karma Cafe.

Open Mic: Monday, January 28 - 7:00 p.m.: HotHouse Company member Jaylene Clark Owens hosts Open Mics based on the themes of the shows in the current Wilma season. Participants are encouraged to showcase poetry, artwork, or songs inspired by the play.

Beer Night: Friday, January 25 - 7:00 p.m.: Patrons can grab a free beer from local craft breweries before the show with the pre-show beer tasting.

Young Friends Night: Friday, February 1 - 7:00 p.m.: A special pre- and post-show meet and greet for audience members age 21 - 40.

Open Caption Performance: Saturday, January 26 - 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: Ticket prices range from $33-$48 (all fees included). Student and theater industry tickets are available for $10 for every performance as a part of the Wilma WynTix Initiative. Tickets are available at the Wilma's Box Office by visiting wilmatheater.org, calling 215.546.7824, or by coming to the theater.

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