Two star crossed lovers take a spin on space station “Verona 5” in Neil Vanderpool’s adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays.
Student admission is $5. For non-students, it’s $10. For tickets, call 801-957-332
Vanderpool’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet infuses a futuristic twist into the timeless classic. It features intense fight scenes without sacrificing the heart racing love story.
“Even though this play has young love, it also shows what our society faces today with the struggle of acceptance for others,” says Vanderpool, associate dean of communication and performing arts.
The two feuding human families live on two different planets.
The Montagues live on a mining planet, while the Capulets live on a tropical planet. The space station “Verona 5,” where sword fights and the tragic, forbidden love take place, is operated by earth force alliances and brings the two family cultures together.
“It’s unlike anything you have ever seen, makes the story more real, you can identify with these characters more,” says Keri Gukeisen, who plays Nurse for Juliet.
Before this play, none of the actors had previous training in sword fighting.
Vanderpool who is trained, taught those who participate in the fight scenes.
“It’s like a dance,” says Austin Grant, who plays Romeo.
“You should see this play because, there are cool costumes, fight scenes, and you’ll also see some making out,” says Austin Chubak, who plays Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin.
The play is entirely made up of the Salt Lake Community College students. SLCC students have written original music for the play, and students from the fashion program at Library Square Campus made the costumes.
“Come to the show, be ready, and have an open mind; come to be entertained,” says Grant.
