SANTA BARBARA YOUTH THEATER PRESENTS
ROMEO AND JULIET

It's Timely, It's Relevant, It's Shakespeare!

¡Viva La Fiesta! takes on a new meaning as contemporary Santa Barbara provides the setting for Santa Barbara Youth Theatre's current production of the cherished classic Romeo and Juliet. Taking a present-day focus the story's relevance continues because it touches upon the raw emotions of passion, zeal for life, and the sorrow of lives ending prematurely.

Imagine Romeo and Juliet's clandestine love unfolding during the hot weeks preceding Santa Barbara's acclaimed Fiesta. Imagine the punked out children of the old school Santa Barbara Montague family meeting the entitled country club nouveau riche Capulets. Imagine Friar Lawrence launching Fiesta Pequeña on the steps of the Mission, And imagine SB's City Council attempting to deal with this rivalry as it explodes onto our city plaza. This is the Romeo and Juliet that Santa Barbara Youth Theatre is bringing to life.

Building on its educational mission, to inspire educate and empower today's youth and tomorrows audience, Santa Barbara Youth Theatre will now tackle the challenges of interpreting and speaking Shakespeare's language. Deanne Anders, artistic director of Santa Barbara Youth Theatre, directs the talented ensemble who come from Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Goleta; many of the roles are double cast to increase the opportunity to create two different characters. Making his Santa Barbara Youth Theatre debut is Dillon Kiel as Romeo. Two talented performers will be alternating the role of Juliet, Lauren Parsons, who has been an active member of Santa Barbara Youth Theatre for the past three seasons and Lana Wolverton, also making her debut with Santa Barbara Youth Theatre. Elizabeth Anderson, who has played roles in The Miracle Worker and The Crucible, now tackles the role of Benvolio, Romeo's friend and cousin. Adam Trent and Dane Svenningsen last seen in the ribald A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will be playing Paris and Tybalt, Travis Nefores and Michael Curtis who also brought Forum to its rollicking feet, will be alternating the roles of Mercutio and Abraham. Performing for the first time with Santa Barbara Youth Theatre is esteemed guest artist E. Bonnie Lewis as The Prince.

Romeo and Juliet is not just a love story. It is about honor, duty, loyalty, politics, family and passion. It is about the pressure of remaining true to one's heart when logic dictates a more reasonable course of action. It is like real life: it's complicated, frustrating, and a joy to experience.

Visit the SBYT web site: http://www.sbyouththeatre.org

BOX OFFICE

Purchase tickts online
Online purchases subject to $1 surcharge.
If online sales are closed, tickets may still be available
by calling the box office at 963-0408.

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION
The Center Stage Theater Box Office is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5:00 P.M., and one hour before each performance. See below for location.

Tickets may also be purchased by telephone using Visa, Master Card, and American Express. Phone (805) 963-0408 (V / TDD).

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
Center Stage Theater is located in the Paseo Nuevo Center, upstairs at the intersection of Chapala and De la Guerra Streets, Santa Barbara, California.

Take Highway 101 to Carrillo Street, exit and turn toward the mountains (northbound turns right, southbound turns left). Proceed to Chapala Street (fourth light) and turn right. Proceed 1-1/2 blocks and turn left into either of two entrances to Paseo Nuevo. Park near the elevator, or proceed to roof-level parking.