Romeo and Juliet

Folsom High School’s Theatre Department is set to present a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Romeo and Juliet. Conceptualized and co-directed by long-time FHS teachers Michael and Tamara Mosier, this innovative production promises to captivate audiences with its fresh perspective on the tragic love story.

Breaking away from traditional renditions, this adaptation transports the audience into a more recent historical setting while preserving the language and essence of Shakespeare’s original masterpiece. Set against the backdrop of Washington DC in the summer of 1970, at the height of the Vietnam War protests, this production explores themes of love, conflict, and societal divisions that remain as relevant today as they were in Shakespeare’s era.

“We wanted to bring this iconic tale into another place and time to showcase the universal themes that Shakespeare wrote about over 400 years ago.,” says co-director Tamara Mosier. “In our version, the Montagues and Capulets are not merely feuding families but represent broader social divides of the time period, a time when Americans were grappling with the fight for democracy and personal freedoms, both at home and abroad.”

The cast features a talented collection of both seasoned student-performers and a host of emerging young actors, including Nicolas Gonzalez and Katarina Bowers in the title roles of Romeo and Juliet. Their on-stage chemistry promises to ignite the intensity at the heart of the story, while the supporting cast brings a new perspective to the well-known characters.

Audiences can expect to be immersed in the time period through student-designed imagery, music, and costumes. Local artist, John Voelz, lends his talent with a cover of the classic “Give Peace a Chance” in the closing scenes of the show.

Audiences are invited to experience this timeless tale in a new light and join in a journey of discovery and rediscovery of Shakespeare’s theatrical masterpiece. Opening night of “Romeo and Juliet” is scheduled for March 14, 2024, at the Jill Solberg Theatre at Folsom High School. Additional performances will be held March 15, 20, 21, 22 & 23 at 7PM. Tickets are available online at www.our.show/fhsrj24