Sept. 4-26

Actors Theatre
316 W. Main St. • 584-1205
actorstheatre.org
$24+; various times

It’s a classic that needs no introduction at a theater that needs no validation — take that in what sense thou wilt. Actors Theatre kicks off their season with this irresistible story of woe, staged in contemporary rather than Elizabethan style. Directed by returning Louisville native Tony Speciale, who has been commended by The New York Times for his electrifying Shakespearean adaptations, it’s an ancient love story full of themes still relevant today — family drama, rebellious and lovesick (horny) teenagers, bullying, arrogant and inattentive parents, and bad decisions. Many cast members are making their Actors debut in this show, including Grantham Coleman as Romeo, with Brendan Averett, Matt Citron, Jordan Dean, Ben Diskant, Nate Miller, Raynaldo Piniella and Matthew Stucky. Elvy Yost returns to Actors as Juliet. —Jane Mattingly