ROCKLAND — A live stage production of William Shakepeare’s Romeo and Juliet will take place on the Strand Theatre stage, Friday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m.

This 90 minute adapted version will be performed by Theater at Monmouth on Tour, a repertory company of professional theatre artists from across Maine and the United States, and is appropriate for ages 10 and up. The sliding scale tickets are $0-20. 

Theater at Monmouth (TAM) has adapted the text to streamline the plot and help viewers connect more strongly to Shakespeare’s verse, themes, and relevance to a modern audience. 

"This professional production can serve as a marvelous introduction to Shakespeare for those who are new to it, but is also sure to satisfy the biggest Shakespeare fans," said the Strand, in a news release.

The young, ill-fated couple, who unite only four brief times, arguably engage in the greatest literary love story for the ages. They meet briefly across a crowded room; again, on the same starry night, when she is perched on her balcony and he is encumbered by the ground below; then when they exchange vows without celebration, fulfilling a sacrament but inadvertently fueling their families’ feud; next in their wedding bed or a one-night affair; and, ultimately, when their beauty and youth bleed into eternity. 

Theater at Monmouth was founded in Monmouth, Maine in 1970. The theater was named The Shakespearean Theater of Maine by the Maine State Legislature in 1975. The mission of TAM is to present innovative approaches to Shakespeare and other classic plays through professional productions that enrich the lives of people throughout the state of Maine. In its 50 seasons, TAM has presented more than 350 productions in its three-month Summer Repertory Season, including 28 world premieres, entertaining audiences from 36 states and through Education Tours in the fall and spring annually reaching more than 15,000 students. Since 2005, Shakespeare in Maine Communities has taken the Bard on the road through 60 to 90-minute versions of Shakespeare with five to eight actors.  

Educators interested in bringing their students to a school-time performance should visit the Education page of the Strand’s website for more details: https://www.rocklandstrand.com/about-education-program/ 

This show is made possible thanks to support from sponsors Rockland Harbor Hotel and OUT Maine.

As part of the Strand’s Family Series, sliding scale tickets are offered for this show at $0-20. To buy tickets, or for more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com or call (207) 594-0070.  

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.