Shakespeare modernized

November 24, 2007 10:16 pm

— The OSU department of theater will open its production of the Shakespearean classic, “Romeo and Juliet,” with a modern approach, on Wednesday.
The play will run through Dec. 2 in the Vivia Locke Theatre in the Seretean Center for Performing Arts.
“Romeo and Juliet” tells the story of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who fall in love despite the feud between their two noble families.
In an attempt to make the production speak more clearly to OSU students and the diverse audiences of OSU theater, the production team is taking a more modern approach to the classic play.
The team is using contemporary images that appear in movies, TV and other forms of contemporary entertainment in the hope that everyone can quickly relate to the characters and their situations, allowing them to understand and enjoy the production.
The retelling of one of Shakespeare’s classics will be directed by a new member of the theater faculty, Matthew Tomlanovich, who has lived, worked and studied in Los Angeles, New York, London and Dallas.
Tomlanovich has previously taught at SMU, Cal-Arts, The Actor Training Program at the University of Utah, University of North Texas, Quad C, University of Texas Dallas and in London at the East 15 Acting School and the Central School of Speech and Drama.
As an actor, director and vocal coach, he has worked on off Broadway, in Los Angeles and Europe and in numerous regional theaters.
“Be assured that the story and the language will remain intact,” he said.
“With that said, we want to remind you that most of Shakespeare’s plays contain death, violence, sexual references (direct and innuendo) and adult subject matter.
“‘Romeo and Juliet’ is no exception.”
The play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 2.
Tickets are $12-$10 and will be available beginning Monday. They can be purchased Monday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m. at the OSU theater box office at 744-9208.
Tickets will also be available at the door beginning one hour before each performance of “Romeo and Juliet.”
Reservations fo the show are recommended.

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