Romeo & Juliet
Romeo & Juliet
By William Shakespeare
Directed by David M. Jenkins
Jan. 21 – Feb. 6, 2022
Tickets start at $29.50
Preview Performances: Jan. 19 – 20 | Tickets start at: $18
Jaeb Theater, Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Romeo & Juliet is made possible by grants from Saunders Foundation and Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation in addition to our regular season sponsors.
What It's About
20 years after establishing a Tampa Bay area tradition, Jobsite finally tackles the Bard’s most famous play.
From historic feud to ill-fated union, Romeo & Juliet is sadly as timely today as when it first took the stage in 1595. Verona is sick. Its structures broken and citizens hopelessly divided. Amidst the violence, bloodshed, fear, and unrest, two teenagers find unexpected relief in one another. But can love overcome a society’s sickness? Join Jobsite for this potent tragedy in a production set against the backdrop of the 1980s.
No one in this region "Rocks the Bard" as hard, as relevant, and as daring as Jobsite and their players. – BroadwayWorld
This production uses the period setting to explore the entrenched polarization that dominates contemporary culture and the tragic costs of intolerance and division. Jobsite’s Romeo & Juliet features an ’80s-influenced original score by resident composer Jeremy Douglass. Jobsite’s approach to Shakespeare has historically been powered by sociocultural influence, and this will be no exception with inspiration drawn heavily from two other pastiches set in the 1980s – Stranger Things and the graphic novel Prince of Cats.
Educational Performances and Outreach
Weekday field trip matinees for middle and high school students are available starting Jan. 17. All groups attending field trip performances are given custom study guides and the ability to have a visit from a teaching artist both before and after your scheduled show.
Additional opportunities include on-site pre- or post-show tours or Q&As. Please call 813.222.1016 or write Spencer.Meyers@strazcenter.org to learn more about our education programs.
Reduced cost and free admissions are also available for qualifying groups, please write us to learn more.
Please note the Straz Center’s health and safety policies, which extends to all matinee performances as well as standard curtains.
Critic Reviews
Jobsite's stamp on Shakespeare in our area has been and continues to be unmatched … in this instance a blast back to 1985 proves to be not just what we wanted, but what we needed. – BroadwayWorld
Jobsite proves Shakespeare is as relevant and relatable as ever … The entire cast in this production performs with a rhythm and clarity that showcases the Bard’s sublime prose and poetry … Despite the common knowledge of how Romeo & Juliet ends, it still hits hard because of the compelling performances. – Tampa Bay Times
News
Cast & Crew
Cast
- Cornelio “Coky” Aguilera – Friar Lawrence
- Darius Autry – Romeo
- Theron “T. R.” Butler – Capulet
- Robert Spence Gabriel – Paris, et. al.
- Newt Rametta – Benvolio
- Marlene Peralta – Lady Capulet
- Martin Powers – Mercutio, et. al.
- Kasondra Rose – Lady Montague/Featured Singer
- Jared Sellick – Peter, et. al.
- Brian Matthew Shea – Montague/Apothecary
- Katrina Stevenson – Tybalt, et. al.
- David Warner – Nurse/Prince Escalus
- Kayla Witoshynsky – Juliet
Production Staff
- David M. Jenkins – Adaptation and Direction
- Jo Averill-Snell – Lighting Design
- Giles Davies – Text Coach
- Jeremy Douglass – Composer
- D Granke – Combat Choreography/Intimacy Coordinator
- Brian Smallheer – Scenic Design
- Katrina Stevenson – Costume Design
- Nicole Jeannine Smith – Stage Manager
- Teah Banks – Properties
- Brian M. Smallheer – Technical Director
- Tea Roberts – Scenic Artist
- Dave Cohen – Sound Engineer
- Reuben Hirsh – Master Electrician
- James Zambon Photography – Promotional Photographer
- Sickles High School TV – Videography
