DePauw production of ‘Romeo and Juliet at Bridgerton’ opening Nov. 9

The part of Juliet will be played by Laila Padilla and the role of Romeo will be performed by Cameron Foster in a comedic new take on a classic, “Romeo and Juliet at Bridgerton,” adapted by Caroline Good and Jenna Reynolds. The production opens Nov. 9 and runs for four performances through Nov. 12 at the Green Center for the Performing Arts.

Courtesy DePauw University/RACHEL SCHMITT

The DePauw University Communications and Theatre Department will present “Romeo and Juliet at Bridgerton,” a version of William Shakespeare’s romance inspired by the Netflix period drama “Bridgerton” and adapted by Caroline Good and DePauw junior Jenna Reynolds.

The performances will take place Nov. 9–12 in Moore Theatre at the Green Center for the Performing Arts. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of the 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 12.

This rendition of a classic love story will feature a lighter, more comedic style than the tragedy that audiences may be familiar with. Directed by Caroline Good, professor of theater at DePauw, “Romeo and Juliet at Bridgerton” brings a fresh sense of humor into the elegant and gossip-laden Regency-era setting of “Bridgerton.”

“‘Bridgerton’ lovers will easily recognize the parallels we’ve made in the diverse casting, the characters, the costumes, the music and the setting with our version,” Good noted. “They will hear Shakespeare’s beautiful words in our condensed script, along with plenty of contemporary comedic cultural references and a lively style of acting that will help the audiences connect to the play in a fresh new way.”

The play’s drama is represented both through the onstage action and a gossip columnist, a new character exclusive to this version. The gossip columnist has been inspired by Lady Whistledown from “Bridgerton” and written into the script by Reynolds.

“The way we’re staging it is really unique,” assistant director and DePauw senior Madeline Humphreys said. “This version will really appeal to anyone who might have read “Romeo and Juliet” and thought, ‘Really? One day and these kids are suddenly ready to die for love?’ We really play into the parts that seem unbelievable at first glance.”

“We imagine,” concluded Good, “that Shakespeare will be rolling in his grave, and our hope is that he’s laughing.”

Tickets, which are $10 for adults and free to all students, can be obtained online at dpugreencenter.eventbrite.com, or in person at the Green Center box office beginning 60 minutes prior to any performance.