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Audiences at Eastern Mennonite University\u2019s \u201cU2 Romeo & Juliet\u201d are in for a treat. A theater production that combines the artistry of William Shakespeare and the iconic Irish band U2 is exciting, intense and bold. The band\u2019s poetic songs easefully carry classic themes of hatred and violence, love and reconciliation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Live music performed by a skilled ensemble of actors and local band Prince Bellerose, with original videos, choreography and intense fight scenes, will also make this theater experience memorable. The rock musical, created by faculty members Justin Poole<\/a><\/strong> and Jerry Holsopple<\/a><\/strong>, not only tells the story of the constant human struggle between light and darkness, but challenges audiences to make a difference in today\u2019s chaotic world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a play about the horrible things we do to each other and the need for us to advocate for peace and justice despite seemingly insurmountable odds. <\/p> \u2014Justin Poole, theater program director and professor of theater<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe music of U2 works so well in this show because most of their songs mean more than one thing,\u201d said Holsopple, professor of visual and communication arts. \u201cIt may be about love, but it is also about this other situation. It goes from lament to prophetic anger, from intense personal feelings to grand ideas all while balancing multiple narratives on the flow of text and music.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Poole conceived the idea for the rock musical shortly after the tragedy of 9\/11. His vision was sparked by his college professor\u2019s creation that paired Shakespeare and The Beatles for a musical of \u201cThe Two Gentlemen of Verona.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI started envisioning a performance of \u2018Romeo and Juliet\u2019 set to the music and lyrics of my personal favorite band U2,\u201d Poole wrote in the program\u2019s creator notes. \u201cIt would be a much darker, morally complicated play that mirrored the new state of the world as I saw it: disordered, uncertain, violent, desperate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It took 20 years for anyone to be enthusiastic about his vision. Prepared for a discouraging comment, Poole told his idea to fellow-U2 enthusiast Holsopple, who unexpectedly replied, \u201cThat works. You want me to be your music director?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt took collaboration with Jerry to have it happen,\u201d Poole said, noting they use the title of creators to describe their production roles. \u201cWe aren\u2019t using any other titles. This is in keeping with the spirit of U2 who shares all their creative rights and credits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In January 2020, Holsopple and Poole chose 22 songs they wanted to include and then form the text around the music. They sent their proposal \u2014 including a script draft with music selections identified, as well as information about EMU\u2019s mission\u2014to U2\u2019s publishing company, Universal Music Publishing. Eventually, they were put in contact with a band representative who said, \u201cThe band is going to have to review your proposal extensively.\u201d With an upcoming tour scheduled, that meant a long turn-around time. However, in less than two weeks, on March 16, a rep emailed to grant permission to use all 22 songs requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Royalties could have been exorbitant, but U2 asked a bare minimum, Poole said, far less than most staged productions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Poole and Holsopple developed the adaptation in summer 2020. They cut archaic scenes, while keeping favorite Shakespearean quotes and the story intact. U2\u2019s songs chosen include \u201cLove and Peace or Else,\u201d \u201cI Still Haven\u2019t Found What I\u2019m Looking For,\u201d \u201cGrace,\u201d and \u201cSunday Bloody Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The creators brought in local band Prince Bellerose to perform live: Valentin Prince<\/strong>, Daniel Bellerose<\/strong> and Joseph Harder ’20<\/strong>. In addition to EMU students, they cast community member Stan Swartz \u201987<\/strong> and EMU faculty members James Richardson<\/strong>, assistant professor of music, and Shannon Dove<\/strong>, theater tech director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The play revolves around Friar Laurence, portrayed by Dove, Holsopple said. \u201cThe Friar is like Bono, the storyteller. In a way, it\u2019s the friar\u2019s confession in his attempt to change the world and his failure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dove was a U2 fan as a teen, and as \u201cone of the older members of the cast,\u201d owned a cassette copy of their first album. Aspiring to also sing rock and roll, he said, as a baritone, \u201cthe holy grail to me at the time was someday being able to hit that note\u2026you know that one note in \u2018With or Without You.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The songs function as soliloquies. Sophomore Greta Schrag<\/strong> said they provide her character, Juliet, an inner monologue for the motivation of her actions. \u201cShe gets to have a say in what happens to her and gets to share how she feels about it with the audience,\u201d said Schrag, a political science and sociology major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With women taking on the roles of the Capulet and Montague boys, Poole said, \u201cthere\u2019re lots of gender bending, which works well in Shakespeare and with our vision for this show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Video projections created by Holsopple and VACA students, Poole said, \u201cadd a broader perspective to the piece, connecting it to contemporary events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Christian world views of hope, joy, love and peace embedded in both the script and U2\u2019s lyrics, the creators and cast made an intention for the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe communicate to the audience, and they go out and make positive changes,\u201d Poole said. \u201cThey go out and make things better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior Andrew Stoltzfus<\/strong>, a nursing major with a minor in theater, who will portray Romeo, wants the audience to feel the full tragedy of the play, he said, \u201cthe horror of what humans do to each other and to feel resolved to join in the \u201crebellion\u201d against violence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI hope they\u2019ll realize the depth and impact love can have on any circumstance,\u201d said Schrag. \u201cLove is power, and it is stronger and more effective than hate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ticket prices for adults are $15; Senior (65+), non-EMU students, $12; EMU faculty\/staff, $12; EMU and Bridgewater students, $6. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Tickets are available online through EMU\u2019s Box Office online at <\/em>www.emu.edu\/boxoffice<\/em><\/a> or by calling 540-432-4582 between 10:30 a.m. \u2013 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Because of the intensity of the production, it is not suitable for children under age 14. Face masks are required.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Romeo: <\/strong>Andrew Stoltzfus<\/p>\n\n\n\n Juliet:<\/strong> Greta Schrag<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friar Laurence:<\/strong> Shannon Dove<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nurse:<\/strong> Clara Bush<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mercutio:<\/strong> Elizabeth Eby<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benvolio:<\/strong> Anna Hoover<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tybalt: <\/strong>Isaac Longacre<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paris: <\/strong> Matt Hevener<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lord Montague: <\/strong> James Richardson<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lady Montague: <\/strong>Ani Beitzel<\/p>\n\n\n\n Montague Boy\/Balathasar: <\/strong>Molly Piwonka<\/p>\n\n\n\n Montague Boy\/Police: <\/strong>Emma Nord<\/p>\n\n\n\n Montague Boy: <\/strong>Andrew Burks<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lord Capulet: <\/strong>Stan Swartz<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lady Capulet: <\/strong>Evelyn Shenk<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n\u201cU2 Romeo & Juliet: An Original Rock Musical\u201d runs Oct. 16-30, in the Mainstage Theater, University Commons. Performances are 7 p.m. Oct. 16, 28, 29, and 30, and 2 p.m. Oct 17 and 30. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nA ‘disordered, uncertain world’<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n Contacting U2<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Adapting the script and casting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nMaking a change<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThanks to our sponsors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nCAST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n