Fredonia theater department to offer fresh take on Shakespeare classic
A truly timeless classic comes to the stage of Marvel Theatre at SUNY Fredonia this month when the Department of Theatre and Dance presents William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Professor Ted Sharon will direct the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series production, which runs for five performances from April 27 to 30.
“Romeo and Juliet” runs for one week only. Dates and show times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27; Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29. Matinee performances are 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.
Tickets are available through the Campus Ticket Office in the Williams Center, by phone at (716) 673-3501 and online.
“The challenge with ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is that everyone knows the ending,” Sharon said. “Even first-time viewers are told the outcome in the prologue. So, the journey to the end is where the magic lies — the discovery of how things come to be. Our production could easily be called ‘Romeo and Juliet...what if?’”
More than 75 students are involved in the design, assembly, execution, acting and directing of the Mainstage production.
“We have added elements which I believe Shakespeare used in his productions including overlapping scenes, early entrances, the character of Rosaline (Romeo’s former love) and we even see Tybalt’s ghost.” - Director Ted Sharon
“We have learned so much about the story and all the wonderfully complex characters involved over the past few weeks. their wants and the ways they go about getting what they want are what fascinate us as a cast and creative team,” the director said. “We have added elements which I believe Shakespeare used in his productions including overlapping scenes, early entrances, the character of Rosaline (Romeo’s former love) and we even see Tybalt’s ghost.”
Sharon explained the cast is being tutored in the art of “shattering the fourth wall,” which will allow the audience will be involved in the experience.
The highlights of the Mainstage production will be many.
“Reasons to come see the show?” Sharon asked. “The costumes are astounding. The set has been designed to mirror the thrust and levels of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The fights (coordinated by faculty member Steve Vaughn) and the dances (choreographed by faculty member Samantha Kenney) are artistry in motion and compel the story forward.”
“Romeo and Juliet” is presented as part of the 2022-23 Lake Shore Savings Season at Rockefeller Arts Center.
