Free Shakespeare in Chicago Suburbs.
The Shakespeare Project of Chicago theatrical reading series presents free Shakespeare. Admission is free, seating is limited.
Romeo and Juliet
The classic tale of ‘star-crossed lovers’ is, next to Hamlet, one of the most frequently performed Shakespearean plays – both during his time and ours. Although the play begins with a street fight between the factions of Montegue and Capulet, Romeo and Juliet appears at first blush to be mostly comedy.
The dramatic action is rife with marriage planning, falling in love, romantic counsel, teenage antics, a fabulous party and one of the most poetic love scenes in all literature. But with the death of the Prince’s cousin Mercutio, the play turns darkly to tragedy. The ancient feud between warring families surges to the fore: violence erupts, Romeo is banished and a dangerous plot is hatched when Juliet is promised in marriage to the County Paris.
And the wheel of fate turns once more – unable to relinquish their ancient feud, the families pay the ultimate price for their passion, when Romeo and Juliet choose to take their lives rather than live without one another. Join us for this classic story of fated love.
Dates Times Locations
Friday, February 21, 2020 at 7:00PM, The Niles-Maine District Library*, 6960 W. Oakton Street, Niles, Illinois
Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2:00PM, The Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 2:00PM, The Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois
Monday, February 24, 2020 at 6:30PM, Vernon Area Public Library*, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, Illinois
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 7:00PM, Mount Prospect Public Library*, 10 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at at 6:30PM, Des Plaines Public Library*, 1501 Ellinwood Street, Des Plaines, Illinois
Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 6:30PM at Elmhurst Public Library*, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
An introduction to the play commences 15 minutes prior to curtain.
* Pre-registration required at Niles-Maine District Library (call 847-663-1234)
* Pre-registration required at the Newberry Library. Online link is here.
* Pre-registration required at Vernon Area Public Library (call 847-634-3650)
* Pre-registration required at Mount Prospect Public Library (call 847-253-5675)
* Pre-registration required at Des Plaines Public Library (call 847-376-2788)
* Pre-registration required at Elmhurst Public Library (call 630-279-8696)
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Founded in 1996, The Shakespeare Project of Chicago was created to achieve three main goals:
- To bring to life the words of William Shakespeare and the world’s other great dramatists.
- To foster the talents of members of Actors’ Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers.
- To present the plays to members of our community for free.
