Fenton Shakespeare in the Park Festival returns to Rackham Park with "Romeo and Juliet"

FENTON, MI – It’s back! The Fenton Shakespeare in the Park Festival returns for two weekends with Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s most well known tragic love story. The play is produced by Fenton’s Wishing Well Theatre and performed by a professional company of home-grown actors. It will perform in downtown’s Rackham Park on August 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 7:30pm.

The Fenton Shakespeare in the Park Festival began in 2021 when Wishing Well Theatre presented a clever Much Ado About Nothing. They followed the next year with their charming A Midsummer Night’s Dream and last year's magical and memorable production of The Tempest.

Ricky Philippi directs Romeo and Juliet. Romeo Montague attends a vibrant underground party where he meets the spirited Juliet Capulet. Their instant connection blossoms amidst the chaos of family rivalry, as they navigate the struggles of young love in a world filled with social pressures, prejudice, and familial expectations. As their secret romance develops, Romeo and Juliet's relationship becomes increasingly complicated, leading them to make reckless choices in their pursuit of love. miscommunication and impulsive decisions lead to tragic consequences, mirroring the intensity of the era’s emotional turbulence.

Set against the backdrop of grunge music, coffeehouse poetry readings, and the vibrant local culture, this adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tale explores themes of love, identity, and the impact of societal conflict, ultimately culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion that leaves a lasting imprint on their community. You’ll recognize some of the actors and see plenty of new faces.

Ticket prices are $30 for general admission (or $25 if you purchase ahead online), $23 for students, seniors, and children. So, bring your lawn chairs and your friends down on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at the end of August to scenic Rackham Park and enjoy Shakespeare’s tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet.

This program is sponsored by the The Community Foundation of Greater Flint: Fenton Fund, The Laundry, The City of Fenton, Fenton Arts Council: Arts are the Heart, Fenton’s Open Book, and Fenton Trading Post.