Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet

By William Shakespeare

August 17 - 19

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:00pm

4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH www.MetroParks.cc

oving In L

memory

This performance is dedicated to the memory of Daniel Weddell.

He was a man. Take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.

-Hamlet

French Creek

Theatre

Romeo & Juliet

by William Shakespeare

Director // Brian McNally Stage Manager // Julie Billinghurst Technical Director // Derek Green Costume Designer // Jill Kenderes Fight Choreographer // Kelly Elliott Fight Captain // Emily Zart Artistic Director // Rick Fortney

–– NOTice ––

Please refrain from using flash photography during this production.

French Creek

Theatre 2018-2019 season Little Shop ial of Horrors mid*Snigpec ht show Oct 12 - 28, 2018

on Friday, October 26* Seymour Krelborn, a failing florist’s assistant, dreams of escaping his luckless life on skid row. After he stumbles upon a first-of-its-kind flower, his fortunes start to turn around. But when the potted plant suddenly won’t bloom without blood, Seymour must choose: success or slaughter?

Book by Howard Ashman | Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman Based on the film by Roger Corman, with Screenplay by Charles Griffith

The Gifts of the Magi Nov 30 - 16, 2018

When you have nothing, what do you give the person who is your everything? Such is the plight of Jim and Della, a young, penniless couple in New York City on Christmas Eve. Searching for the perfect present for one another, they discover the richness of their love despite being poor in means. Taken from the short stories of O. Henry, warm your heart and spirit with The Gifts of the Magi.

Music by Randy Courts Lyrics by Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts

She loves Me

Little Women

Georg and Amalia, two headstrong employees of a European perfumery, quarrel endlessly on the job. But away from work, they’re two lonely hearts, each exchanging tender correspondences with an anonymous pen pal who’s a lot closer than they know!

From their Concord, Massachusetts home in Civil War America, Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth March plan their futures, but the present is what they’ll cherish forever. Woven together with each sister’s unique flaws, hopes and dreams, the classic novel gets the musical treatment in this vibrant and stirring adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless celebration of a family unbroken by life’s trials.

Feb 1 - 17, 2019

Book by Joe Masteroff | Music by Jerry Bock Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick Based on a play by Miklos Laszio Originally Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince

Mar 29 - Apr 14, 2019

Music by Jason Howland | Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein Book by Allan Knee Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Introducing the new ‘18/’19 s eason!

Into the Woods

Tuck Everlasting

Cinderella goes to the festival, and marries the prince. Jack climbs the beanstalk, and steals the giant’s gold. The Baker and his wife are bestowed with a child...then what?

In this imaginative and beguiling takeoff of familiar fairy tales, the real story begins once wishes have been granted, and the characters learn to live with their “happily ever after.”

The woods of Treegap, New Hampshire beckon eleven-yearold Winnie Foster to escape her humdrum, small town life. Once within, she discovers a spring with a powerful secret, and a boy with a mysterious past. Pursued by a strange man in yellow, she learns the truth about the connection between the boy’s family and the water, and is forced to make a decision with everlasting consequences.

May 31 - June 16, 2019

Book by James Lapine Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

July 19 - Aug 4, 2019

Book by Claudia Shear & Tim Federle Music by Chris Miller | Lyrics by Nathan Tysen Based on the novel Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Bacon Woods Amphitheatre, Vermilion River Reservation

As You Like It

Aug 16 - 18, 2019 (Shows at 7pm) Lovers in disguise, banished dukes and merry companions come together in As You Like It. Set in the dreamlike Forest of Arden, the Bard’s whimsical discourse on the fun and folly of love is performed outdoors (and FREE!) at the Bacon Woods Amphitheatre at Vermilion River Reservation.

By William Shakespeare

Shakespeare in the Park!

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Visit Us! 38790 Chester Road Avon Ohio 44011 440.934.WINE (9463) www.thewoodnwine.com

Proud supporter of French Creek Theatre!

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French Creek

Theatre

French Creek Nature and Arts Center

Cultural Arts Manager / Site Manager....................................Rick Fortney Senior Naturalist................................................................................. Aimee Potonic Naturalist II.............................................................................................Rachel Mazzola Cultural Arts Programmer..............................................................Brian McNally Front Desk Staff.............Camille Olsen, Chris Bizub, Robert Scott Taylor FCNAC Building and Grounds Crew............................................Tim Barrett,

Thomas Bourque, David Davis

Lorain County Metro Parks

Director.....................................................................................................................James Ziemnik Assistant Director..........................................................................................Jennifer Bracken Operations Supervisor............................................................................................Paul Hruby Public Information Officer...........................................................................Vanessa Klesta Web Developer and Graphic Artist.....................................................Nicholas Baker

Lorain County Metro Parks Board of Park Commissioners

Chairman ................................................................................................... Ms. Cookie McLoda Board Member..............................................................................................Mr. Joseph Hribar Board Member.............................................................................................Mr. Kenneth Lieux

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Welcome!

“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” ― - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet We are excited to bring you Shakespeare in the Park this weekend! Lakeview Park is the perfect setting for Shakespeare … the fountain and trees, the lake, the sunset, etc. …. Enjoy the beauty of literature, theatre and nature! Shakespeare performed outside within Lorain County Metro Parks has been a goal for the past ten years and we are finally implementing this summer with vision of broadening as the summers’ progress.

Leading to this point we produced a Shakespeare Rick Fortney Concert in 2014 with the TrueNorth Chamber Orchestra Cultural Arts Manager, featuring orchestral works inspired by Shakespeare’s Lorain County Metro Parks writings complete with theatrical scenes. In 2016 we followed this up with A Midsummer’s Night Dream at French Creek.

Brian McNally, Cultural Arts Programmer for Lorain County Metro Parks, is our Director for Romeo and Juliet and resident Shakespearian! Brian is just completing his 5th year with the LCMP. This summer he has been at his best overseeing Elementary and Middle School Acting Camps, leading Pre-School Workshops (BIG STORIES little actors), and directing Shakespeare! Prior to joining our French Creek team, Brian was on staff with Great Lakes Theatre.

I want to thank Brian in leading this vision to reality and for his great work throughout the process, thank you!

As in each production, I would like to thank our Staff, Production Team and cast for sharing their time and talents with us, always going the extra mile in order to produce the highest quality of work. We are blessed with such wonderful actors in Northeast Ohio who continue to grace our stage, thank you.

Please pick up a season brochure at the welcome table. We begin our new season October 12th with Little Shop of Horrors! Now is the time to purchase season tickets and save 33% and priority seating. Please call 440.949.5200x221 for further details.

Thank you for sharing part of your weekend with us as we get close to the end of the summer. We hope to see you in the fall and beyond as together we continue to celebrate the arts. ”See how she leans her cheek upon her hand.

O, that I were a glove upon that hand That I might touch that cheek!”

Rick Fortney Cultural Arts Manager

- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Prologue Two households, both alike in dignity In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life, Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife.

The fearful passage of their death-marked love And the continuance of their parents’ rage – Which but their children’s end, naught could remove – Is now the two-hours’ traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

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Synopsis In the streets of Verona, members of the houses of Capulet and Montague brawl. Delivering one final warning, the Prince decrees that the next disturbers of the peace will be executed. Learning that the Capulet’s are hosting a masquerade that evening, Benvolio convinces his cousin, Romeo, to attend. At the party, Romeo and Juliet share a kiss, and Tybalt begs his uncle Lord Capulet for permission to challenge Romeo for showing up at their house, but is denied. Later that evening, Romeo returns to the Capulet estate, and he and Juliet decide to have Friar Laurence marry them in secret the following day. Immediately following the ceremony, Romeo runs into Tybalt in the street, who urges Romeo to fight. Mercutio, Romeo’s friend and relative of the Prince, intercedes, and is killed by Tybalt. Romeo retaliates, killing Tybalt, and is banished from the city once the Prince learns of the fray. After spending the night with Juliet, Romeo leaves for Mantua. Juliet’s parents arrange for her to marry Paris later that week. Juliet travels to Friar Laurence, who provides her with a potion that will put her in a death-like state for 42 hours; the plan being that after Juliet is lain in the Capulet tomb, Romeo will return to retrieve her. Unaware of the scheme, Romeo’s servant, Balthasar, meets him in Mantua, and informs him of Juliet’s death. Romeo rushes to the Capulet tomb, where he runs into Paris, and murders him. Once inside, Romeo takes his own life, and upon waking, Juliet does the same.

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from the director

“How does it feel to treat me like you do?”

-New Order

“The perfume burned his eyes, holding tightly to her thighs.

And something flickered for a minute, and then it vanished and was gone.”

-Lou Reed

“You and me, babe, how about it?”

-Dire Straits

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Cast Kevin Boland.............................................................Lord Montague Domenic Farinelli.................................................................Mercutio Dawn Galang.............................................................Lady Montague Margaret Hnat..............................................................Lady Capulet Jane Medoro..............................................................................Benvolio Lynna Metrisin................................................................................Nurse Ethan Rozsahegyi........................................................................Prince Kelsey Rubenking...............................................................Balthasar Dennis Runkle...............................................................Lord Capulet Joe Smith............................................................................................Tybalt Michael Strama..........................................Servant, Apothecary Bryon Tobin......................................................................................Romeo Madelyn Voltz.................................................................................Juliet Steven Walker...........................................................Sampson, Paris Mikhayla Wilkins.........................................Gregory, Friar John Emily Zart..............................................Abraham, Friar Laurence

Production Team Brian McNally................................................................Co-Director Julie Billinghurst..................................................Stage Manager Derek Green......................................................Technical Director Jill Kenderes....................................................Costumer Designer Kelly Elliott...............................................Fight Choreographer Emily Zart..........................................................................Fight Captain Rick Fortney..........................................................Artistic Director

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Actor/Actress Bios

CAST Kevin Boland (Lord Montague) appreciates the opportunity to perform again at French Creek, having appeared previously in Jesus Christ Superstar and Christmas Story. Some of his favorite roles include Brother Man in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Greg in Sylvia, and George in Moon Over Buffalo.

Do m e n i c F a r i n e ll i (Mercutio) is happy to be back at French Creek Theatre in one of his dream roles!

Domenic teaches English and Theatre at Lakewood High School, where he also runs the Drama program.

He is also working on his Master’s in Workforce Education and Development at Bowling Green State University, and will be starting a Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Writing at the University of York next spring. He was most recently seen at French Creek Theatre in Children of Eden as Father. Other favorite performances include West Side Story (Tony), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Peter Pan (Captain Hook),

and High School Musical (Troy). He would like to thank Brian and Julie for giving him this amazing opportunity and not cutting a single word of the Queen Mab speech. He’d also like to thank his family, friends, and boyfriend for always supporting him and dealing with his crazy schedule.

Dawn Galang (Lady Montague) is thrilled for the opportunity and challenge to be part of “Shakespeare in the Park” with French Creek’s first-ever outdoor production of Romeo & Juliet. Dawn was a member of the ensemble of the French Creek production of Annie this past December, and had appeared as Electra in Gypsy at the Greenbrier Theatre long, long ago!

A longtime resident of Bay Village, Dawn currently resides in Westlake and is a preschool educator at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. Special thanks to family and friends for supporting the show!

Margaret Hnat (Lady is a Capulet) s e l f- p ro fe s s e d Shakespeare Groupie!

Past Shakespeare roles include

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Actor/Actress Bios Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Ariel in The Tempest.

Other favorite roles include Miss Preen in The Man Who Came to Dinner, Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple, and Mrs. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank. She is a frequent volunteer for Bay Village Community Theater both onstage and offstage, and had the privilege of appearing in their inaugural production, Almost, Maine, as Hope. Margaret is an Assistant Professor of English at Cuyahoga Community College where she teaches freshman composition and, of course, Shakespeare!

Jane Medoro (Benvolio) is from Westlake, and her most recent shows include The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Near West Theatre (Ensemble), and [title of show] (Susan) at Miami University. She’d like to thank Brian and Julie for allowing her to do her first Shakespeare show!

Lynna Metrisin (Nurse) is excited to be playing Nurse in this production of Romeo & Juliet, and is very pleased to be returning to French Creek Theatre where she was previously seen in Falling and Our Town, as well as participating in Road to Freedom. Lynna

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has also been seen in various productions at Cleveland Public Theatre, Blank Canvas Theatre, E n s e m b l e T h e a t r e , Lorain County Community College Theatre, Charenton Theatre, and Clague Playhouse, among others. Lynna’s next project will be portraying Mama in ‘Night, Mother at Shore Cultural Center in Euclid next month.

Et h a n Ro z s a h e gy i (Prince) was born and raised in Cleveland, and is active in the local theater scene.

Recent roles include Rooster in The Beck Center for the Arts’ production of Annie, Ewart Dunlop in The Music Man at Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute, and Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank at the Mandel JCC. He will be a freshman at Bowling Green State University this fall. Ethan is grateful to have the opportunity to participate in his first Shakespeare production here at French Creek Theatre. Thanks to all who’ve worked so hard to make this a great experience.

Actor/Actress Bios K e ls e y R u b e n k i ng (Balthasar) is thrilled to be making her French Creek Theatre debut with the amazing cast of Romeo and Juliet.

Having recently been a part of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Adam) at Strongsville Community Theatre, she is delighted to be continuing to work with the Bard. Kelsey has also previously starred in Massacre (Sing to Your Children) (Janis) and Man of La Mancha (Maria, Housekeeper), and will be returning to Strongsville this fall in The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners. As always, her love and gratitude go out to all who support her art and passion. “My father’s wit and my mother’s tongue assist me!”

Dennis Runkle (Lord Capulet) is thrilled to be appearing in his first actual Shakespeare play! His recent roles include Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird at Weathervane Playhouse and Brecksville Theatre on the Square, Emile de Becque in South Pacific and Warren G Harding in Camping with

Henry and Tom at Old Towne Hall/ North Ridgeville, and FDR in Annie at Aurora Community Theatre. He also appears throughout the summer as part of the Take a Hike / Playhouse Square tour in downtown Cleveland.

Dennis give thanks to director Brian, his crack production staff and to this amazingly talented cast… and much love to his dear Kathleen, who indulges his theatrical playgrounds and for whom he appears every day as husband and assistant pug wrangler. Enjoy the show!

Joe Smith (Tybalt) has made a strong impression through roles taken onstage, in commercials, and in public.

Well known in the North Olmsted Kiwanis for the annual Charity Murder Mystery fundraiser, and many other productions put on by Jovialities with the incorrigible Joe Carr. He cut his teeth in all aspects of theater with Michael Ferrer’s S.T.E.P. at the Palace Theater in Lorain. Joe brings a breadth of experiences into his role including a Mixed Martial Arts background; fostering and rehabilitating abused and neglected dogs; and being an Inspector with the USDA-FSIS. Singing, dancing, sword play, juggling and magic/ sleight of hand are all part of his extensive repertoire.

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Actor/Actress Bios A special thanks to The Amazing Amber, wife and manager.

Talespinner Children’s Theatre as well as Karamu.

M i c h a e l S t r a m a (Apothecary/ Servant) is excited to be working again with Brian in Romeo & Juliet.

He has appeared both onstage and backstage at numerous venues in the Cleveland suburbs including Strongsville, Berea, North Ridgeville and Olmsted Performing Arts. Michael appeared as Mouse/Rabbit in French Creek’s production of The Velveteen Rabbit.

Some of his other favorite roles include a pirate in Peter Pan, RayBud in Dearly Departed, and Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace. He wants to thank his family and friends for their support, and Brian for this opportunity. Enjoy the Shakespeare!

M a d e lyn Voltz (Juliet) is extremely excited to be joining French Creek Theatre for this production.

Madelyn is c u r r e n t l y pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Cleveland State University, following the acting track. Most recently she has worked on Emotional Creature: the Secret Life of Girls Around the World at Cleveland State University, and Silentious Scream with the Progressive Perspective Theatrical Company.

She is just beginning to explore the professional theatre world around her, and is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to play such a great role, and to work with this amazing theatre and incredible cast and crew.

Bryon Tobin (Romeo) is an a w a rd -w i n n i n g actor, a Cleveland native and is currently signed with The Talent Group. Bryon is in his third year as a professional actor, and is making his debut with French Creek Theatre. He most recently finished filming a movie in Jamaica, and has Pg. 16 also worked with the

Steven Walker (Ham/Storyteller) is excited to be back onstage after spending the last year backstage as the assistant stage manager for Carrie the Musical and Xanadu at Near West Theatre. The last time he was seen onstage was as Neleus/ Chimney Sweep in Mary Poppins at

Actor/Actress Bios Near West Theatre last April. This is his second show with French Creek Theatre, having been a part of the cast for Children of Eden earlier this season.

He would like to thank his best friends Topher, Eric, and Christine.

M i k h a yl a W i l k i ns ( G re g o r y/ Fr i a r John) is super excited to be a part of this marvelous production with French Creek Theatre!

Mikhayla is a recent graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a B.A. in Acting.

Recent credits include Troilus and Cressida (Thersites), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Candy Starr), Death of a Salesman (Miss Forsythe), and Last of the Sorcerers (Timothy).

Mikhayla would like to thank the entire cast, crew, and production team of Romeo & Juliet for being so giving of their time and talents.

Thank you for coming out to support the arts, and enjoy the show!

Emily Jane Zart (Abraham/ Friar Laurence) is delighted to be revisiting her first Shakespeare show with French Creek and this wonderful cast.

Emily has a BA in Acting and Directing from Baldwin

Wallace University, and is currently a biology student at Cleveland State. She was previously seen at French Creek as Grace Farrell in Annie. Other credits include The Rainbow Serpent (Dancer, TCT), Brigadoon (Fiona, ACT), and Beauty and the Beast (Belle, MGP).

Production Team: Brian McNally (Director) is proud to be born and raised here in Northeast Ohio. After graduating from Bay High School in 2003, he studied with the acting studio at Ohio University before taking a 9-month sabbatical to intern with the Orlando Shakespeare Theater where he split his time performing and working in their education and outreach department. Once back home, Brian completed his baccalaureate career at Cleveland State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in the spring of 2009 with a BA in Dramatic Arts. The following summer he auditioned for and was accepted into Great Lakes Theater’s acclaimed School Residency Program as an Actor/Teacher, a position he held for three years before coming on staff with Lorain County Metro Parks as Cultural Arts Programmer.

Though his onstage exploits have slowed considerably the past few years, Brian has appeared onstage with Beck Center, Cassidy Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, Ohio Shakespeare Festival,

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Actor/Actress Bios The Cleveland Orchestra, Lakeland Civic Theatre and Workshop Players’ Theatre. Currently he resides in Lakewood with his wife, Kristy, their five-year-old son, Marty, and some cats.

Julie Billinghurst (Stage Manager) is excited to be a part of French Creek Theatre’s inaugural Shakespeare in the Park production.

She has been the stage manager for the past three seasons at French Creek. Some of her favorites include Big Fish, Jekyll & Hyde, Parade and Bonnie & Clyde. This summer, she was also the SM for Anything Goes with Lorain Community Music Theatre. Thanks to Brian, Derek and the wonderful cast for making this such a terrific experience. Enjoy the show!

Kelly Elliott (Fight Choreographer) is a local combat choreographer, director, educator, and actor. Her fight work has been seen in theaters and schools around Northeast Ohio, Virginia, Washington DC, and Michigan. Kelly has an MLitt and an MFA in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University.

Jill Kenderes (Costume Designer) is elated to return to French Creek after costuming The Elephant Man this past spring. She has been a performer in Northeast Ohio for fourteen years, and is excited to expand her theatrical journey with costume design.

Some of her costuming work has been seen with Broadview Heights Spotlights Theatre and Blank Canvas Theatre.

Thanks to Joe, Anthony and Samantha.

Derek Green (Technical Director) is a freelance technical director, scenic and lighting designer, and has served as French Creek’s technical director for the past year. Design credits include The Elephant Man, Children of Eden, I’m Not Rappaport, Bonnie & Clyde, Willy Wonka, Our Town, and Joseph and the Amazing Other Technicolor Dreamcoat. design credits include The Tempest, Richard II (Cleveland Shakespeare Festival); South Pacific, The Curious Savage, Joseph . . . Dreamcoat, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Here Come the Brides (NDCL). Derek currently works on the Education staff at Cleveland Play House.

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