NAATCO has announced casting for the Off-Broadway premiere of Hansol Jung's previously announced modern verse translation of Romeo and Juliet. Set to begin its run at Lynn F. Angelson Theater May 9 and open May 14, the production will continue through June 3.
Starring in the all Asian-American cast will be Major Curda (KPOP) as Romeo, Dorcas Leung (Miss Saigon) as Juliet, and Brian Lee Huynh (War Horse) as Capulet. They are joined by Purva Bedi as Friar Laurence, Jose Gamo as Mercutio, Zion Jang as Benvolio, Mia Katigbak as the Nurse, Rob Kellogg as Paris/Tybalt, and Daniel Liu as Peter/Lady Capulet. The full company will also double as the ensemble.
Jung will co-direct the classic story about star-crossed lovers with Dustin Wills, who has previously directed Jung's Wolf Play. The production will feature original music by Brian Quijada. The creative team will also include scenic designer Junghyun Georgia Lee, costume designer Mariko Ohigashi, lighting designer Joey Moro, sound designer Megumi Katayama, fight and intimacy directors Rick and Christian Sordelet, and dramaturg Aaron Malkin. Casting is by Andrea Zee. Nygel D. Robinson will serve as music director.
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"Hansol and Dustin bring an unusual perspective to the familiar story, leaning into the comedy so that the tragedy is in devastating relief: 'See what a scourge is birthed to scorn your hate/That heaven found means to kill your joys with love.' One of the last few lines of the play, we are asked to think on the consequences of ‘rusty hate,’” said Katigbak in a statement.
The work will first make its world premiere at New Jersey's Two River Theater where it will be presented in partnership with NAATCO. Jung's take on the work was originally presented by Two River Theater as part of their Benefit Reading Series under the direction of Chay Yew.
