Best known for their Torchlight Shakespeare, A Company of Fools will be bringing their plays to parks across the region again this summer and are making a stop in Stittsville at Alexander Grove Park.
For the first time in 11 years a Company of Fools tackles Shakespeare’s iconic story Romeo and Juliet. A stellar local cast of Fools both new and old play 14 different roles to retell Shakespeare’s most known story in your own backyard.
You know the story — the city of Verona is plagued by violence, as an ancient rivalry between the Capulets and Montague causes fighting in the street. The son of Montague, Romeo crashes the Capulet’s ball and falls for Capulet’s daughter Juliet. The two marry in secret and find themselves at the centre of a city wide feud. A carnival setting creates the backdrop for the Fools’ fantastical take on the streets of Verona. Swords are paired with water pistols, and live music is played by a carnie barker with a megaphone. Audiences will be transported to an adolescent paradise of dangerous pleasure.
Two of Ottawa’s favourite young actors play the bard’s star crossed lovers: Norah Paton whose one-woman show Burnt found national success, stars as Juliet; Ottawa improv legend and Fools veteran, Leslie Cserapy plays Romeo. We’re also welcoming back past Fools who you might recognize from GCTC productions. This year, Kate Smith (Virgin Trials) and Geoff McBride (Dear Mr. Wells), return in the roles of Lady Capulet and Capulet.
And a Fools fan favourite Kate McArthur (Sebastian/Maria Twelfth Night 2018) also returns to play the roles of both Mercutio and the Nurse. Alongside her is a new Fool Andrea Massoud playing Benvolio.
Company of Fools will bring their production to Alexander Grove Park on Saturday, August 10 at 7:00 pm. Cost for the play is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $20/person. After the performance, the actors pass the hat to collect donations to fund their productions.
The perfect setting for a Saturday evening summer picnic, friendly for the entire family (even your dog).