ROMEO AND JULIET to Open Folger Theatre's 2013-14 Season, 10/15-12/1

The Folger Theatre launches its 2013/14 season with the world's most celebrated love story, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This timeless story of young, passionate love set against a sea of hate is retold by three-time Helen Hayes Award-winning director Aaron Posner (The Taming of the Shrew, Cyrano, and Macbeth at the Folger), leading an outstanding ensemble including Michael Goldsmith (Clybourne Park in London's West End) as Romeo and Erin Weaver (Arcadia and The Comedy of Errors at the Folger) as Juliet. Romeo and Juliet begins performances on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 and continues its initial run through Sunday, December 1.

The noble houses of the Montagues and the Capulets have been at war for decades. With no end to the violence in sight, the Prince of "fair Verona" issues an edict imposing a death sentence on any citizen caught dueling. When young Romeo meets the beautiful Juliet, the two decide to take fate into their own hands and follow their passion for each other. However, circumstances beyond their control conspire against them, threatening their love and their lives.

"Romeo and Juliet is the most well-known and most beloved of love stories," states Aaron Posner. "There is so much richness in the story and so much poetry in the language...my primary goal is to help audiences experience the play as if for the very first time."

The distinguished cast of Romeo and Juliet also features Eric Hissom (Helen Hayes Award-winner for Arcadia at the Folger) as Friar Lawrence, two-time Helen Hayes Award recipient Sherri L. Edelen as the Nurse, Rex Daugherty (The Taming of the Shrew at Folger) as the honorable Tybalt, Brian Dykstra as Lord Capulet and Brad Koed as the pugnacious Mercutio. Also featured in the cast are Aaron Bliden (Benvolio), Shannon Koob (Lady Capulet), Joe Mallon (Paris), Allen McCullough (Lord Montague), Matthew McGee (Friar John), and Michele Osherow (Lady Montague).

The award-winning creative team "are first-rate across the boards," states Posner. "I am thrilled to have such an exceptional group of collaborators on my team that will surely make the play feel fresh, vital, and vibrant." The design team for Romeo and Juliet includes Meghan Raham (set design), Laree Lentz (costume design), Jennifer Schriever (lighting design), Christopher Baine (sound design), and Casey Kaleba (fight director). Original music is composed by Carla Kihlstedt and the resident dramaturg is Michele Osherow. New York casting is by Daryl Eisenberg.

In speaking to the world that surrounds the two lovers, Posner added, "The devil-and the fun-is all in the details. Who exactly are these people? Who is responsible? Why did the story have to go this way and not that way? What is the shape and quality of a world that leads these very young, very passionate lovers to such extreme ends? Our production of this endlessly engaging story is being launched by those questions."

Romeo and Juliet plays at Folger Theatre from October 15 - December 1, 2013. Tickets are $40 - $72. Lower-priced previews and discounts for students, seniors, military, educators, and groups of ten or more are available - and may be purchased at the Folger Theatre Box Office at 202.544.7077 or online at www.folger.edu/theatre.

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