Shakespeare's R&J

Shakespeare's R&J Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Shakespeare's R&J, Theatrical Play, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

May 8-10, 2026 | Pittsburgh City Theatre Mainstage
Get your ticket NOW at https://citytheatrecompany.org/production/107930/shakespeares-r-and-j

IG: shakespeares_rj
Contact: [email protected]

Opening TONIGHT!
05/08/2026

Opening TONIGHT!

04/23/2026

What does it mean to produce and manage this new adaptation of “Shakespeare’s R&J” while closing out your college journey?

Julia He (Producer) and Alexander Farrell (PM/Producer) shared why they took on this project, and reflected on their emotions as graduating students navigating a challenging yet exciting chapter.

From May 8-10, students and alumni from Carnegie Mellon School of Drama take over City Theatre MainStage with “Shakespea...
04/23/2026

From May 8-10, students and alumni from Carnegie Mellon School of Drama take over City Theatre MainStage with “Shakespeare’s R&J” by .

Directed by J. Cody Spellman, this independent production brings together alumni and current students from Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and Heinz College across the creative, production, and performance teams.

Set within a rigid system and sparked by rebellion and curiosity, “Shakespeare’s R&J” reimagines “Romeo and Juliet” through four boys who discover hidden desires, vulnerabilities, and the urgent question: stay silent or claim your voice.

As the semester comes to a close, this piece speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place in a system that doesn’t reflect who they are.

Under 30 and Senior Rush discounts available at CITYTHEATRECOMPANY.ORG or 412-431-2489.

More at

Design credits: Zhiyu Zhao | Martinez

‼️ Meet the Company‼️➡️ Swipe to discover the team behind Shakespeare’s R&J, running at City Theatre Mainstage on May 8-...
04/23/2026

‼️ Meet the Company‼️

➡️ Swipe to discover the team behind Shakespeare’s R&J, running at City Theatre Mainstage on May 8-10.

Ticket link in bio!

Design credits: Martinez

04/22/2026

A Daring New Adaptation of "Shakespeare’s R&J" to Premiere at
City Theatre Mainstage, May 8-10

Written by Joe Calarco
Directed by J. Cody Spellman

From May 8-10, a “vibrant, hot-blooded” (The New York Times) adaptation of Romeo & Juliet comes to the City Theatre Mainstage, blurring the boundary between dreams and reality. This production of Shakespeare’s R&J is directed by J. Cody Spellman, John Wells Directing Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University.

Calarco’s play follows four boys living under rigid constraints that dictate what they can and cannot read. In an act of rebellion and curiosity, they begin to act out the forbidden text:

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. What begins as playful experimentation (assigning roles, improvising costumes from school uniforms) quickly deepens into something more urgent
and revealing. Through Shakespeare’s language, the boys uncover hidden desires, vulnerabilities, and truths. Ultimately, they are confronted with a choice: retreat into silence or claim their own voices.

In a world defined by control, "Shakespeare’s R&J" considered language as both liberation and resistance, a powerful reminder that the choice to speak or remain silent is one we all face.

This production features a collaboration of alumni and current students of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in the creative and production teams, as well as on stage.

Presented as a rental event by Julia Production (an independent entity not affiliated with City Theatre Company) the project reflects City Theatre’s ongoing commitment to fostering 2 dynamic creative partnerships and supporting the presentation of bold, contemporary work.

Through initiatives like this, City Theatre continues to strengthen its role as a distinctive force within Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape.

Performance Schedule:
● Friday, May 8 at 7:30 PM
● Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
● Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 PM

Tickets are available through the City Theatre Box Office and online at CityTheatreCompany.org.

Discounts apply:
● Under 30 Tickets: $24 (call the Box Office to reserve)
● Senior Rush Tickets: $28 (available day-of, by phone, or in person)
● Early Bird Discount: 10% off (limited time)

City Theatre

Rehearsals are well underway forShakespeare's R&J - here are a few shots of our talented team working on the project 🌟Sh...
04/11/2026

Rehearsals are well underway for
Shakespeare's R&J - here are a few shots of our talented team working on the project 🌟

Shakespeare's R&J, written by Joe Calarco and directed by J. Cody Spellman.
Coming to City Theatre Mainstage, May 8-10.
Ticket link in bio.

Start planning your weekend at the theater 🎭Shakespeare's R&J, written by Joe Calarco and directed by J. Cody Spellman.C...
04/11/2026

Start planning your weekend at the theater 🎭

Shakespeare's R&J, written by Joe Calarco and directed by J. Cody Spellman.

Coming to City Theatre Mainstage, May 8-10.
Ticket link in bio.

CAST SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTOPHER RONE as STUDENT 4Christopher joined this project because he believes in the power of live pe...
04/03/2026

CAST SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTOPHER RONE as STUDENT 4

Christopher joined this project because he believes in the power of live performance. Watching the characters discover "Romeo and Juliet" reflects what he values most in theatre: its ability to transform, connect, and inspire.

As Student 4, he leans into play and curiosity, using them to explore the full range of the character and sustain focus through extended moments on stage.

A Pittsburgh-based actor and fight director, Christopher is a recent graduate of Point Park University, where he earned his BFA in Acting. Recent credits include Norman in "The Trees" (Pittsburgh Playhouse) and Benny in "Rent" (Iron Horse Theatre Co.).

•••

Shakespeare’s R&J, written by Joe Calarco and directed by J. Cody Spellman.
Coming to Mainstage, May 8-10.

Ticket link in our bio!
➡️ Early Bird Discount Code: “RJNOW”

Design credits: .z

CAST SPOTLIGHT: NATE DIRKSEN as STUDENT 3Nate has always dreamed of acting in "Romeo and Juliet" – and now he’s doing ju...
04/03/2026

CAST SPOTLIGHT: NATE DIRKSEN as STUDENT 3

Nate has always dreamed of acting in "Romeo and Juliet" – and now he’s doing just that. Encouraged by friends and driven by a need to create, he joined this project for the chance to take on as many as four distinct roles.

Nate Dirksen is an up-and-coming creative artist located in Pittsburgh, PA. Nate was last seen playing Everybody in "Everybody "at Otterbein University, where he graduated with a BFA in Acting and a minor in Film Studies.

Since then, Nate has had a brief stint in NYC working with brands such as Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton. After that, Nate found himself taking multiple international trips, including heading home to New Zealand! Today, Nate works part-time at Patagonia and lives with his stunning girlfriend, Amber.

•••

Shakespeare’s R&J, written by Joe Calarco and directed by J. Cody Spellman.
Coming to Mainstage, May 8-10.

Ticket link in our bio!
➡️ Early Bird Discount Code: “RJNOW”

Design credits: .z

CAST SPOTLIGHT: SILAS BRIGHT as STUDENT 2Silas was drawn to this project by its reframing of Juliet, not as naive or eas...
04/03/2026

CAST SPOTLIGHT: SILAS BRIGHT as STUDENT 2

Silas was drawn to this project by its reframing of Juliet, not as naive or easily swayed, but as one of the "strongest and most self-determined "characters in the play. He’s especially interested in how this production connects the past of "Romeo & Juliet" with the present lives of the young protagonists, and in its exploration of the “forbidden act” both as resistance to imposed authority and as the courage to love freely.

Silas is a Pittsburgh-based actor, director, and playwright, making his local stage debut. A BFA Acting graduate of West Virginia University, he is trained in classical text, Meisner technique, and fight and intimacy work.

His recent credits include "The Misanthrope" and "Measure for Measure". He also self-published "Adult (barely)", which he directed and developed at WVU. On screen, he recently appeared in the short film "Dallas Wants to Dance".

•••

Shakespeare’s R&J, written by Joe Calarco and directed by J. Cody Spellman.
Coming to Mainstage, May 8-10.

Ticket link in our bio!
➡️ Early Bird Discount Code: “RJNOW”

Design credits: .z

Address

1300 Bingham Street
Pittsburgh, PA
15203

Website

http://instagram.com/shakespeares_rj

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