Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre presents “Romeo and Juliet”
The Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company (SIST) is presenting Romeo and Juliet this coming August, 2021.
The universal problem of division that distributes more blades of hate, is the classic tale of this two hours traffic. A multi-generational conflict where the only sum is the spreading of an invisible mental health crisis. An insidious plague ignored as it sleeps in every home.
What makes this version so unique is that two Asians were cast to play the leading roles. Justin Viz, 30, plays Romeo while Dorothea Gloria, 29, plays Juliet.
Justin Viz is a second generation Filipino American storyteller born in San Francisco, California. Currently, he is a professional actor based in New York City. He studied acting at the American Conservatory Theater & Berkeley Rep in California, as well as Royal Central, LAMDA, & Mountview Academy in London, UK. Most recently, he completed a two year training program at the Tom Todoroff Conservatory in NYC. Justin is also a college graduate from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in Cinema.
Dorothea Gloria grew up in Manila, Philippines and moved to New York City five years ago. Back home, she has performed for many professional theater companies like Repertory Philippines, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Philippine Educational Theater Association among many others. She has also won the award of Best Featured Actress for Broadway World Philippines. In NYC, Gloria was a member of the BATS, the resident acting group of The Flea Theater, an award-winning Off-Broadway theater company. Her latest show was produced by Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, “Gera sa Droga,” a one woman show that she performed about the drug war happening in the Philippines.
“It was such a delight to learn that both Justin and I were cast as the leads. Being Asian, it’s quite a struggle to break out of certain stereotypes when it comes to casting, especially in a Shakespeare play. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to bring life to such a wonderful character as Juliet. I also can’t help but feel a lot of Asian representation since theater professionals here in New York have chosen two Filipino talents. I cannot wait to show them what we have to offer.” Gloria shares.
SIST will be presenting a modern rendition of Romeo and Juliet. The concept of the show will present North Shore versus South Shore; Liberal Versus Traditional; Blue Versus Red; Lower Class Versus Higher Class. For centuries, multiple families, friends, and communities have face tensions of differing beliefs. Despite a universal suffering during a global pandemic, it seemed that people became more divided than ever. The concept of this version of Romeo and Juliet is not just to reflect the community that is Staten Island; rather it is a reminder that we are all humans who love, hurt, and lose.
The Cast List is as follows:
Romeo: Justin Viz
Juliet: Dorothea Gloria
Friar Lawrence: Alexandra Torres
Mercutio: Marija Pantovic
Benvolio: John DeFilippo
The Nurse: Justin Giachetti
Tybalt: Jack Dawson
Lady Capulet: Kerry Robinson
Capulet: John Griffin
Prince Escalus: Chris Neske
Montague/Friar John: Tom Shcherbenko
Prince Escalus: Chris Neske
Paris/Ensemble: Anthony Papandrea
Peter/Siren 5/Ensemble: Laura Casertano
Balthasar/Abram/Ensemble: William Simancas
Lady Montague/Apothecary/Siren 4: Holly Pepe
Siren 1/Gregory/Ensemble: Anna Meyer
Siren 2/Sampson/Ensemble: Kerry Robinson
Siren 3/Rosaline/Ensemble: Julie Smith
Directed by Ariana Nicoletta
Assistant Director: Carrie Ellman-Larsen
Stage Manager: Antonio Manto
Music Director: Laura Casertano
Original Music Composition: Alexandra Torres & Stella Fiorenzoli
Musical Arrangements: Anthony Papandrea & Laura Casertano
Dance Choreographers: Brianna, Daniella, & Julianna Recchia
Fight Choreographer: Vincent Lane
Props Master: Courtney Emerson
Costume Designer: Anadina Saladino
Master Carpenter: Rob Yuzuk
Set Designer: Lina Montoya
Sound Design: Ally Popick
Lighting Design: Nick Diaz
Poster Artist: Joseph Gambino
Production Assistant: Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck
Producers: Frank Duffy, Cara Liander, and Frank Williams
Performances: August 13, 14, 20, 21 at Maker Park, 459 Front Street, SINY 10304.
Visit https://www.showclix.com/events/1247 for tickets.
