Wheaton residents have two nights left to see a free "Romeo and Juliet" at Memorial Park Bandshell, with performances Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29.
The Wheaton Park District and Wheaton College's Arena Theater are staging the Shakespeare classic as part of their annual Shakespeare in the Park series, which debuted in 2013. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. each evening, a puppet show starts at 6:45 p.m., and the main performance begins at 7 p.m.
Director Andy Mangin, a Wheaton College associate professor of theater who co-founded the series, called this year's production a first for the program.
"This is our first time doing a tragedy … albeit one that everyone knows," Mangin told the Daily Herald ahead of opening night. "Although written over 400 years ago, the truth 'R and J' contains about the power of love and hate carries through to today."
The cast blends Wheaton College alumni working professionally in Chicago, New York and Pittsburgh with current college seniors. Emma Brown Baker, a 2017 Wheaton College graduate and Pittsburgh-based actor, plays Juliet. Caspar Carter, a Chicago-based actor who graduated from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in 2022, plays Romeo. Mark Lewis, director of theater at Wheaton College who has directed six productions in Memorial Park, takes the role of Capulet.
Lisa Enoch, a Wheaton resident and 1992 Wheaton College alumna, returns for her fifth Shakespeare in the Park production as the Nurse.
No tickets are needed. Stadium seating is limited and first-come, first-served. The park district encourages guests to bring bag chairs or blankets. Concessions including pizza, popcorn and soft drinks will be available on-site. Reserving seats before gates open at 5:30 p.m. is prohibited.
The event page notes a content advisory: the production includes scenes involving violence, death and suicide. Audience discretion is advised.
Memorial Park is at 225 Karlskoga Ave. in Wheaton, accessible by Metra, the Prairie Path Bike Trail and ride-sharing services. Pets, outside alcohol, glass bottles and tobacco products are not permitted.
Upcoming community events:
- Saturday, Aug. 29: Shakespeare in the Park final performance, Memorial Park Bandshell, 7 p.m. Free.
- Thursday, Sept. 10: Warrenville Mercantile grand opening with eight vendor storefronts.
- Friday, Sept. 11: Wheaton 25th anniversary 9/11 ceremony.
