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Onstage at your Fox Cities P.A.C. from June 2-7, & Juliet takes a unforgettably unorthodox approach to Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, and the characters onstage scan as outside-the-box accordingly. Before they take the Thrivent Hall stage, get to know the characters who will bring this vibrant tale to life. Everyone has a favorite – who is yours?

Juliet (age: 20s)

The overprotected daughter of the Capulets, limited in her experience of love, but also an unfailingly optimistic rebel-in-waiting. Juliet will challenge social conventions of female modesty anddecorum—not a docile, obedient girl but a confident, independent woman – as she learns to own her choices and love herself for who she truly is.

Shakespeare (age: 30s)

Handsome, famous and endlessly aware of his own wit, William Shakespeare is the egotistical leader of his company of Players, until his wife Anne begins to question his authority. Shakespeare enjoys the lively competition that ensues and brings a mischievous spirit to re-writing with Anne, until it becomes clear that much more than the fate of his play is at stake, and he is forced to reexamine his priorities.

Anne (age: 30s-40s)

The strong-willed wife of Shakespeare who doubles as Juliet’s best friend. Older than her husband, and in many ways wiser, she is his biggest fan, but also his sharpest critic. Recognizing the parallels between Romeo and Juliet and her own life, Anne’s determination to see Juliet persevere and make her own choices is deeply personal. As she writes herself into the new play as “April,” we see the fun-loving side of Anne that she hasn’t explored in years.

May (age: 20s-30s)

May is Juliet’s best friend who is on their own journey of self-discovery and lives outside of binary gender labels. An ideal companion for a trip to Paris, May sees an opportunity to start fresh and finds a newfound strength while fighting for a life-changing relationship.

Angélique (age: 40s)

Juliet’s nurse and confidante who has cared for her since she was a baby and is closer to Juliet than Juliet is to her own mother. Boisterous, bawdy, and full of surprising sensuality that has long been repressed for Juliet’s sake. As Angélique becomes the unexpected focus of a reignited romance, she struggles, for the first time, to put her own needs first.

Francois (age: 20s-30s)

A misunderstood French musician with a playful sense of humor. Like Juliet, Francois is inexperienced in the ways of love and is dealing with an overly controlling parent. Through Juliet, he develops the courage that will open a world of possibilities.

Lance (age: 40s-50s)

Francois’ father, a burly former soldier. As a widowed single parent, Lance only wants a better life for his son, but the weight of his expectations is driving a wedge between them. This changes, however, when an unexpected reunion with an ex-lover restores the twinkle to Lance’s eye, and he is reminded of the complicated nature of finding true love.

Romeo (age: 20s)

Juliet’s first love is a notorious womanizer, in love with love, and above all, a drama queen, but he is also a true romantic whose feelings for Juliet go beyond anything he has experienced before. As he comes to terms with mistakes of the past, he, too, is longing for a second chance.

You’ll meet these characters and many others when & Juliet takes the stage at your Fox Cities Performing Arts Center from June 2-7. We look forward to seeing you!