The Denison University Department of Theatre continues its 2007-2008 season with a play that provides a new twist to an old classic. "The 'Romeo and Juliet' Project," with text by William Shakespeare, is directed by Associate Professor John Sipes.

The production will run at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 8-10, in the Ace Morgan Theatre and will continue Tuesday through Friday, Nov. 13-16. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling (740) 587-6527. General admission is $8, senior citizens $5 and students $4.

The cast of 20 will utilize projections to examine the themes of civil strife, love, death and the implacable hand of fate within Shakespeare's classic tale. The cast retells the story with a contemporary voice, reflecting the issues and sensibilities of our time and culture, while staying true to the Shakespearean poetry at the heart of the music-filled, movement-intense, fast-paced production.

Starring as Romeo and Juliet are: Lowell Byers '08 (Chappaqua, N.Y.) and Greta Kuhlman'08 (Van Nuys, Calif.) respectively. Student ensemble members with named roles are: Adam Schreck '09 (Bethel Park, Pa.) as Mercutio; Jordan Wolff '09 (Medina) as Benvolio; John Grauer '09 (Rocky River) as Balthasar; Kathryn George '08 (Elk Grove Village, Ill.) as Tybalt; Tara Demmy '10 (East Amherst, N.Y.) as Peter; Joshua Mankoff '09 (Grand Rapids, Mich.) as Capulet; Stephen Geering '09 (Mason) as Friar Laurence; Raymond Havey'09 (Wilmington) as Montague/Friar John; Matthew Coon '08 (Bryan) as Prince/Paris; Gretchen Wells '09 (Charlottesville, Va.) as Nurse; Jessie Kanelos '08 (Chicago) as Lady Capulet; Lesley Lighthiser '08 (Truckee, Calif.) as Lady Montague; and Anna Bethel '08 (Circleville) as Apothecary. Ensemble members without named roles are: Allison Brogan '10 (Lexington); Kathryn Dahm '10 (Austin, Texas); Meagan Flesch '08 (East Liverpool); Erica Hughes '10 (Pittsburgh); and Brandall Jones '11 (Chattanooga, Tenn.).

Associate Professor of Theatre Cynthia Turnbull serves as costume designer, and Meghan Kirkpatrick '09 (Cincinnati) serves as assistant to the costume designer. Vail Artist-in-Residence Robert Johnson serves as the scenic and lighting designer. The stage manager is Laura Judson '09 (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), and the assistant stage managers are Kyle Robertson '09 (St. Paul, Minn.) and Arielle Elisabeth Waite '09 (Center Valley, Pa.).

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Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Department of Theatre presents "The 'Romeo and Juliet' Project"; text by William Shakespeare; 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday (Nov. 8-10) and Tuesday through Friday (Nov. 13-16), Ace Morgan Theatre (211 W. College St.). Open to the public; general admission is $8; senior citizens $5; students $4. Call (740) 587-6527 to reserve seats or confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575