Pictured: Ensemble of ROMEO & JULIET

The Shakespeare All-Stars have announced the eight-person cast, and production team for ROMEO & JULIET, a 75-minute version playing eight performances in two Chicago parks.

Directed by Sam Cheeseman, the production features LaKecia Harris (Juliet), P. Tyler Nielsen (Romeo), Joe Sergio (Chorus/Friar/Prince), Julian Stroop (Mercutio/Abraham/Friar John), Jessie Ellingsen (Capulet/Gregory), Arin Mulvaney (Nurse/Sampson), Grace Hutchings (Benvolio), and Joe Sergio (Tybalt/Servant/Apothecary Spencer Althoff).

The production team includes Assistant Director Bianca Phipps, Stage Manager Jessica Woodburn, music by Joe Sergio, fight choreography by Emily Shimskey, design team Arin Mulvaney & Jessica Woodburn, and Graphic Designer Dan Osborn.

“Although they were created hundreds of years ago, the individuals in the world of Romeo and Juliet are some of the most realistic characters Shakespeare ever wrote,” comments Cheeseman. “Perhaps that is why the unfounded hatred between the two households feels so tangible and real. Or perhaps it is because strife between groups of people feels all too familiar today. We will tell this story until it kills us, and then we will tell it again.”

ROMEO & JULIET plays Touhy Park June 16, 17, 30 and July 1, and Gross Park June 23 & 24. For more information visit shakespeareallstars.com.