Indian Hills to present ?Romeo and Juliet?

OTTUMWA ? One of the world?s best love stories, William Shakespeare?s ?Romeo and Juliet,? will be performed at Indian Hills Community College Dec. 1-3. Tickets are free to the 7:30 p.m. performances in St. John Auditorium, but patrons are encouraged to reserve their seating in advance by calling 641-683-5144.

?Romeo and Juliet? is the story of two ?star-crossed? lovers whose families are engaged in a bitter family feud. The Capulet and Montague families have met sword to sword in street brawls in Verona, Italy. Romeo, the son of Lord Montague, and Juliet, the daughter of Lord Capulet, fall instantly in love at a masque ball. But, because of their families? hatred, their happiness and youth are wasted. They die in a most tragic way.

?The play will be performed in its original verse and will showcase Renaissance period costumes, music, dancing and rapier-style sword fighting making it a true Shakespearean event,? Director Jennifer Boyenga said.

Playing the title roles of Romeo and Juliet are Joe Roark of Ottumwa and Hannah Altheide of Pulaski.

The Capulet family is led by Juliet?s parents, Lord and Lady Capulet played by Roy Belzer of Ottumwa and Sara Beary of Albia. Other Capulet?s include the firey nephew Tybalt, Joshua Curtis of Chariton; the compassionate and consipiring nurse, Lauren Reilly of Marion; and guards Sampson and Gregory played by Tyler Janssen of Williamsburg and Mark Requena of Los Angeles, Calif. The Capulet?s have chosen Count Paris ? played by Daniel DeCook of Moulton ? for marriage to Juliet.

The Montague family is led by Romeo?s parents, Lord and Lady Montague played by Kitt Linville of Chariton and Dana Korell of Oskaloosa. Romeo?s closest companions include Benvolio and Mercutio played by Ryan Heckart of Norwalk and Mason Ferguson of Wayland. Guards of the Montague family include Abram and Balthasar played by Roger Bates of Knoxville and Keith Richards of Blakesburg.

Verona is controlled by the haughty Prince Escalius played by Nick Ford of Bussey. Friar Laurence, played by Chris Simmons of Ottumwa, encourages the young lovers to marry while the Apothecary, played by Elizabeth Caudill of Ottumwa, provides the poison for the couple?s demise.

The chorus is composed of Lacee Cross of Colfax, Liridonna Aliu of Ottumwa, Emily Crouse of Ottumwa and Kenny Grimm of Albia.

Serving as stage managers are Miranda Rains of Sigourney and Gwendolyn Cox of Wayland. Light and sound technicians are Mitch Anderson of Fairfield and Nick Davis of Ottumwa. Ronelle Willadsen is the assistant director.