by William Shakespeare • Directed by John Langs

 

---

A Jumpstart into Romeo and Juliet

 

Act I

Scene 1 – A City at War

The streets of Verona are “ruled” by two powerful rival families – the Montagues and the Capulets. After a brawl erupts between the servants of the two families, the Prince intervenes and commands that, in the future, anyone caught fighting will be executed. Worried that their son, Romeo, is sad and not acting like himself, Lord and Lady Montague express their concerns with his cousin Benvolio. When Benvolio finds Romeo he discovers that his cousin is in love with Rosaline, a young woman who does not return his love. Knowing that there are greater beauties in the city, Benvolio promises to show the reluctant Romeo what he’s missing.

 

Scene 2 – Hatching Plans

Paris, a relative of the Prince, speaks with the powerful Lord Capulet about marrying his daughter Juliet. Capulet, desiring favors with the royal household, promises Juliet to him (if she agrees), but only after she is old enough to wed. He invites Paris to a masked ball that evening and sends his servant out to invite the guests.

While on his errand and unable to read the guest list, the servant stumbles upon Romeo and Benvolio and asks their help. While reading the list, they discover that Rosaline is invited. As repayment for their kindness (and assuming they are not Montagues), the servant invites Romeo and Benvolio to the ball. Benvolio tells Romeo that they should go, as this will be a perfect opportunity to compare Rosaline with other women: Romeo agrees, because Rosaline will be there, and he wants to see her.

Scene 3 – A Dutiful Daughter

At the Capulet household, Lady Capulet broaches the subject of Juliet marrying Paris. The Nurse, sensing that her young charge is growing up, recalls a bawdy story about her husband and about Juliet’s childhood. Dutifully, Juliet agrees to meet Paris and see if she can like him well enough to marry.

Scene 4 – Misgivings and Queen Mab

As Romeo, Benvolio, and their roguish friend Mercutio head towards the masked ball, Romeo expresses hesitation. Mercutio mocks him and launches into a fanciful story of Queen Mab, the supposed fairy’s midwife who brings dreams. Between them, Mercutio and Benvolio manage to convince their heartsick friend to continue towards the feast.

Scene 5 – A Kiss Mixed with Heartbreak

At the ball, Romeo spies Juliet across the room and loses all memory of Rosaline. Tybalt, Juliet’s impulsive cousin, overhears Romeo rhapsodizing about Juliet and threatens to kill him. Lord Capulet intervenes in the young man’s plans, but Tybalt swears vengeance. Romeo tenderly approaches Juliet, and they dance. Lost in each other’s gaze, Romeo convinces Juliet to let him kiss her once, and then again. After their second kiss, Lady Capulet calls to Juliet. Romeo inquires about his love’s name to the Nurse and is distraught to learn Juliet is the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy. Romeo leaves with Benvolio. Juliet then asks the Nurse for Romeo’s name and learns the heartbreaking news.

Act II

Scene 1 – Eager to steal a glance

Lingering after the ball, Romeo climbs into the courtyard hoping to find Juliet again. Mercutio and Benvolio look for him, and mock his “love” for Rosaline, but leave when they cannot find him.

Scene 2 – Hearts Unfolding in the Night

Romeo sees Juliet from afar and falls even deeper in love. Not thinking any one can hear her, Juliet professes her love for Romeo and is surprised when he responds. She fears for his safety, but he assures her that he would rather be with her regardless of danger. Romeo tries to swear his love for her, but she worries that they are moving too quickly: yet they still confess their love for each other again. The Nurse calls, and Juliet arranges to get a message to Romeo the next day, assuming he is want to marry.

Scene 3 – Marriage Plans and a Hope for Peace

The next morning, Romeo confesses to Friar Lawrence that he wants to marry Juliet. Shocked at Romeo’s change of heart from Rosaline to Juliet, the Friar agrees to marry the young couple with the hope that their marriage will bring peace between the warring families.

Scene 4 – Boyish Pranks

Benvolio and Mercutio speculate about what happened to Romeo the night before and then reveal that Tybalt has challenged Romeo to a duel. When Romeo arrives, they tease him about his escapades. The Nurse finds Romeo in the square, and he tells her that Friar Lawrence is willing to marry them if Juliet will come to confession at his cell.

Scene 5 – Waiting for Word

Juliet waits impatiently for the Nurse and pounces on her when she arrives. After some hesitation, the Nurse reveals Romeo’s plan to have them married.

Scene 6 – A Holy Union

At the confessional Romeo and Friar Lawrence argue about how intensely one should love. When Juliet arrives, the young couple expresses their love and then goes offstage to marry.