Love. Beer. Death.
In our production of R+J: Star-Cross’d Death-Match (R+J), we promise plenty of all three. And really, what more could you ask for at a Capital Fringe Festival production?
If you completed middle school English, you probably know the story of Romeo and Juliet. And we’re not out to change the plot – at least, not in ways that would confuse Shakespeare newbies or rile the hearts of purists. Famed lovers Romeo and Juliet still pursue one another against all odds. Their hormone-inspired lust still propels them to acts of near insanity, including taking their own lives in despair for one another.
So R+J has the “love” part covered for you.
And as before, House Capulet and House Montague make open war in the streets. The lives of young Tybalt and Young Mercutio are ended in the dispute, ensuring a healthy dose of the “death” we promise as well.
It’s all pretty standard, even by middle school English standards. So what’s different?
Beer. Lots and lots of beer.
We first saw R+J in New York City, where NY-based theater-company “Three Day Hangover” cleverly adapted the work to our great pleasure.
In R+J, the sword-fights have been mostly replaced with flip-cup battles and the “theater in the round” has been replaced with theater all around, since the audience is standing amongst the actors as they perform on, in, around, and on top of the bar.
It’s fun, it’s different, and it’s a hell of a good time.
So we decided to bring #DrunkShakespeare to DC to share with our friends and neighbors. Our production takes place at DC Reynolds, a fabulous watering hole in the Petworth neighborhood just a few steps from the Georgia Avenue Metro.
You’ll choose your allegiance when you arrive by selecting a colored solo-cup to represent your chosen house (Blue for Montague, and Red for Capulet). And we’re taking Shakespeare at his word that “all the world’s a stage,” because we’re using the bar itself – from R+J’s bloodiest rumbles to the famous balcony scene.
Plus, as you watch R+J come to life, you’ll also never be more than a few steps from a friendly bartender standing by to keep your drink fresh.
— for those 21 and over.
So come on out! Tip your cup with us and enjoy our performance of R+J: Star-Cross’d Death-Match.
R+J: Star-Cross’d Death-Match is on-stage at DC Reynolds, 3628 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC
Performances are: Thursday, July 10 through Saturday, July 26
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 9 p.m.
Details and tickets or call 866-811-4111.
— Guest writer Heather Whitpan is a member of producing company LiveArtDC
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