On Stage: Romeo & Juliet

The Moxie: On Stage is a new series showcasing world class performances from stages across the globe. Tickets: $20/adults; $15/members & students. This series is made possible thanks to a grant from the [Springfield Regional Arts Council](http://www.springfieldarts.org/). Two households, both alike in dignity... In defiance of its tragic ending, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet remains the greatest romance of all time, demonstrating the power of love in its many forms. Peter Martins’ staging of this eternal classic, set to Prokofiev’s glorious accompaniment, embraces naïve excitement, betrayal, despair, and steadfast resolution, emphasizing the innocence and youthful optimism of its two heroes while proving that even in death true love cannot be overcome. Undoubtedly history's most romantic and tragic story of the original star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet lends itself beautifully to the language of ballet, from kinetic violence to the exquisite pain of young love, the warring Capulets and Montagues are brought to thrilling life through the choreography of Peter Martins and the unforgettably haunting score of Prokofiev. In 16th Century Verona, there are heated tensions between sworn enemies Montagues and Capulets. Their vicious hatred of one another is famed throughout the city, as is their often fatal sword play. Romeo, the youngest of the Montague clan, is depressed after falling for a girl who spurned his advances, persuaded by cousin Tybalt, he sneaks into a Capulet ball in the hopes of finding her, that is, until he sees Juliet and falls deeply and immediately in love. So begins a tale that has gone on to become our greatest, tragic story of all-consuming love doomed from the start...