Romeo & Juliet
April 17 – May 18, 2025
Shakespeare’s great love story.
You won’t want to miss this production of William Shakespeare’s most well-known play from Hartford Stage Artistic Director, Melia Bensussen (The Winter’s Tale, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, All My Sons, Simona’s Search). The tragic love story that has inspired countless movies, musicals, and modern adaptations gets back to its roots in this lush and energetic production.
An intoxicating blend of tragedy and hope, the spark of young love is ignited in Romeo and Juliet. They believe that their love will protect them, but ultimately rivalry, familial duty, and impossible choices doom their future together.
Rife with lush romanticism, thrilling sword fights, and Shakespeare’s famously beautiful language, this captivating production is the perfect way to introduce someone to Shakespeare and will enthrall even the most seasoned fan of the Bard.
Info & Accessibility
Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
Age recommendation: Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Content Warnings: Click here to view content warnings for this show. Please note that these warnings may contain spoilers.
Digital Program
Reviews
“Bensussen allows the author to take his fairy-tale time in revealing truths, losses, and restitutions.”
– The Berkshire Edge
Critics interested in reviewing Romeo and Juliet should email Director of Marketing, Todd Brandt. Press weekend is Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27.
News
White Birch Blog (Kiersten Bjork): Hartford Stage’s Rome and Juliet Celebrates and Mourns the Beauty and Tragedy of Life and Death
The Patch (Laura Hayden): HSC casts a silver lining on the tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet”
Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene (Andy Hoffman): Romeo and Juliet, a play by William Shakespeare At The Hartford Stage
Talkin’ Broadway (Fred Sokol): Regional Reviews: Connecticut And The Berkshires
Bonnie Goldberg (CT Critics Circle): Review of Romeo and Juliet at Hartford Stage
Hartford Courant (Chris Arnott): Hartford Stage’s latest production of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ is fresh, modern and upbeat
One Man’s Opinion (Tim Leininger): Romeo and Juliet at Hartford Stage
The Howard (Howard Frydman): Theater Reviews – “Romeo & Juliet” at Hartford Stage
Zander Opper (CT Critic’s Circle): “Romeo & Juliet” at Hartford Stage by Zander Opper
Berkshire On Stage (Mark Auerbach): Review of “Romeo & Juliet at Hartford Stage
In the Spotlight (Christine Blacke): Review of Hartford Stage, “Romeo & Juliet”
Interview on CT LIVE! (NBC30): Eva Kaminsky and Gerardo Rodriguez share what makes this production of “Romeo & Juliet” special.
Hartford Courant: Hartford Stage’s 2024-25 season to feature Shakespeare, August Wilson and a horror classic
The Cast
Opa Adeyemo
Paris
Juan Arturo
Benvolio
Carmen Berkeley
Juliet
Emily Bosco
Escalus
Brandon Burditt
Tybalt
Niall Cunningham
Romeo
Alejandra Escalante
Mercutio
Eva Kaminsky
Lady Capulet
Michael Samuel Kaplan
Montague
Annmarie Kelly
Nurse
Carman Lacivita
Friar Laurence
Gerardo Rodriguez
Capulet
Liliana Alva
Jeremy Parrott
Jason Pietroluongo
Madelyn Rothstein
The Creative Team
Director
Melia Bensussen
Choreography
Dale A. Merrill
Scenic Design
Christopher & Justin Swader
Costume Design
Fabian Fidel Aguilar
Lighting Design
Dan Kotlowitz
Sound Design
Darron L West
Hair & Wig Design
Tommy Kurzman
Fight Director
Ted Hewlett
Casting
Alaine Alldaffer & Lisa Donadio
Production Stage Manager
Nicole Wiegert
Assistant Stage Manager
Julius Cruz
Assistant Stage Manager
Maia G. Tivony
