Classic love story adapted for Internet generation in Messiah College performance of “Romeo and Juliet"

	"Romeo and Juliet" modernized for the Internet generation in Messiah College performance. Click on image to download print-quality version

GRANTHAM, Pa. (Oct. 19, 2006) — With a twist for the Internet generation added to the classic love story, Messiah College’s School of the Arts presents “Romeo and Juliet” on Nov. 9-11 and 16-18 in Miller Auditorium in the Climenhaga Fine Arts Center.  Performances of this technological thriller for today’s generation begin at 8 p.m. on all dates, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Nov. 12 and 19. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased in advance by calling the Messiah College ticket office at (717) 691-6036; tickets will also be sold at the door. The play is suitable for all ages.

Valerie Rae Smith, assistant professor and chair of the Messiah College theatre department, will direct the modernized adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Smith commented on the connection of Shakespeare’s work with current trends of today, saying, “In this production we imagine what might happen if the catalyst for Romeo and Juliet’s fate was our own technological culture of instant communication.” 

The play’s original music was created by Messiah College alumna Sonia Bontrager of Harrisburg. Ian Rose of Philadelphia choreographed the sword fighting and stage combat.

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,800 undergraduate students in 50 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.