New York is gearing up for two simultaneous productions of Romeo & Juliet, and while the Broadway version (starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad along with several Broadway heavyweights) is getting plenty of publicity, we're also excited about the off-Broadway version at Classic Stage Company.
As previously announced, indie-film darling Elizabeth Olsen will play Juliet in the play, and some serious stage and screen talent has been tapped to join her. According to Playbill.com, Academy Award-winner William Hurt (A History of Violence, Children of a Lesser God) will play Friar Laurence, Emmy Award-nominee T.R. Knight (Grey's Anatomy) has been cast as Mercutio and two-time Tony-nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent) will be the Nurse. (No word yet on who will play Romeo.)
The play begins performances September 27, prior to an official opening night October 16. The show will only run through November 3, however, so grab tickets quickly: Visit classicstage.org to book seats or get more information. Good to know: Classic Stage Company is away from the Times Square crowds, just off Union Square at 136 East 13th Street.