“Violent delights have violent ends…” Cornell College Presents Romeo and Juliet

Mt. Vernon - From Cornell College:

"Love and hate endure in the Cornell College Department of Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet. This tale of thwarted love and deadly betrayal runs October 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 7:30 and October 21 at 2:00 pm in the Kimmel Theatre. Distinguished Artist in Residence, Ron Clark, directs.

Perhaps one of the world’s most enduring love stories, Romeo and Juliet continues to mesmerize audiences with a heartbreaking tale of love set against the violent feuds running rampant in the streets of Verona. The story of these young lovers begins amidst the vicious hatred of their two families, the Capulets and the Montagues. With swords drawn, family loyalty is tempered in the heat of public brawls, words of vengeance and acts of retribution. It is in this crucible that furtive glances ignite the fire of romance between our young lovers.

Tensions rise when servants of the warring families engage in a bloody confrontation in the market place. The level of rage is balanced by the heat of passion when Romeo and Juliet fall immediately in love at a masked ball. Their secret wedding transpires only with the aid of Friar Lawrence and Juliet’s nurse. Though the fate of these star-crossed-lovers is generally known today, a cast of twenty Cornell College students make this production as vivid as when it was first penned by The Bard more than 400 years ago.

Many of the performers are also a part of the technical crews and teams necessary to mount this lavish production. “The youthful vigor and vulnerability that this script demands are in bountiful supply among our young artists,” notes director Ron Clark, “I think [Romeo and Juliet] is the most accessible and performable of the tragedies for younger actors. Our production is giving our students the opportunity to work in period costumes and learn a sense of style that goes with them.” Collaborating with the director is Jason Tipsword, fight choreographer, Brenda VanValen, choreographer, Jenny Kelchen, costume designer, Matt Allar, scenic designer and Scott Olinger, lighting designer.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors/students/youth and free with Cornell College ID. Tickets can be purchased at the box office between 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, October 1st through 12th, or at the door. You can reserve your tickets by calling (319) 895-4293. Due to violence and brief nudity, viewer discretion is advised."