Wherefore art thou Romeo? In Islamorada with Juliet

ISLAMORADA, Fl. Keys—ICE again presents its “Bard on the Bay” series with the internationally renowned American Shakespeare Center (ASC) performing one of Shakespeare’s most famous and beloved plays – Romeo and Juliet.

With its ravishing language and uproarious comedy, Romeo and Juliet celebrates love’s triumph and its trivialities. Dance, athleticism, and swordplay share the stage with sonnets, bawdy wit, and soul-searching speeches in this profoundly human and always surprising masterpiece by Shakespeare.

The play is set for Saturday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m., under the stars at the TIB Amphitheater in Islamorada Founders Park. Tickets are $10 at the gate and students are free.

“For those who have never seen Shakespeare, this is the perfect play because everyone is at least a little familiar with the story, and almost everyone will know several of the lines in the play,” said David Feder, president of ICE. Feder cites a few of those famous lines:

• “But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”
• “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”
• “What's in a name? That which we call a rose,

By any other word would smell as sweet.”

• “Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

The ASC’s energetic troupe of actors will dissolve audience preconceptions and “Shakes-fear” with fast-paced, intimate performances where the actors engage the audience and Shakespeare’s words burst into life. The result is theater that is entertaining for students, adults, first timers, and everyone.

According to ASC’s Jim Warren who directs “Romeo and Juliet, the story blends romantic comedy and tragedy, and the play “is filled with some of the bawdiest humor Shakespeare ever wrote. It’s a drama, it's a comedy, it’s just like life.”

“Everyone should see one great Shakespeare play, performed by outstanding professional actors, at least once in their lifetime,” Feder said. “If you’re still unsure, think Monty Python. You’ll have a great time.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. In case of bad weather, the play will be performed at the Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center, Mile Marker 89.9. For more information, go to ICE’s web site at www.keysice.com.

ICE is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality entertainment and cultural events to Upper Keys residents and provides art, music, and dance scholarships to local students.