Preview: Austin Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet [Theatre]

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet might be the most imitated, emulated—nay ripped off—storyline ever. In fact, ‘tis said the bard himself borrowed heavily from an existing tale to create his most famous take on these star crossed lovers. But who cares, right? Bill arguably did it best, and, ever since, directors have taken license with the tale, adding flourishes of their own.

Beginning this Thursday, Austin Shakespeare offers up the latest twist on the young romantics, as the 24th annual FREE Shakespeare in Zilker Park season opens and runs through June 7th, playing at the Sheffield Hillside Theatre (across the parking lot from Barton Springs). This bicultural interpretation, directed by Ann Ciccolella, is set in Central Texas in the 1940’s and looks at the story through a Mexican-American lens, including some dialogue delivered in Spanish.

Collin Bjork plays Romeo to Gwen Kelso’s Juliet. There’ll be some fancy footwork in the knife fight department, courtesy of choreographer, Tina Gramman. Musical score composed by Michael McKelvey. The price is right and if you’ve never packed a picnic and plopped down in the park for some spectacular the-AT-tuh, now would be an excellent time to start. (Note: there is a special preview performance Wed May 6th.)

Austin Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet runs through June 7, 2009.