World Premiere Of Juliet And Romeo A Hilarious Time Traveling Musical Hits Skylight Music Thea
editThis fresh take on Shakespeare's classic features a down-on-his-luck playwright, pizza, and a whole lot of hijinks!
Get ready for a side-splitting twist on Shakespeare's timeless love story! Skylight Music Theatre is excited to announce the world premiere of Juliet and Romeo, a brand-new musical that reimagines the iconic tale with a modern twist.
This hilarious production follows the journey of Sawyer Bloom, a struggling writer/director who stumbles upon a way to travel back in time and meet the REAL Juliet. But when he brings her back to present-day New York City, things get messy – think Shakespearean drama colliding with modern life, with a dash of New York pizza for good measure.
The production will be directed by Skylight’s Artistic Director Michael Unger and will feature a talented ensemble, showcasing some of the top performers of the region. This new work has a book by Paul Gordon and music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and Curtis Moore.
“New works are some of the most challenging and exciting material to explore, and I am thrilled the authors of this hysterical new musical have trusted Skylight to premiere this piece,” said Michael Unger, Artistic Director of Skylight Music Theatre and director of the show. “To put the Skylight and Milwaukee spin on this piece, featuring a phenomenal, predominantly local cast, is an honor we do not take lightly.”
Meet the Cast
Bloom – Frankie Zabilka
Shakespeare – Allie Babich*
Rachel/Juliet – Jamie Mercado
Romeo – Mason Hanizeski
First Watchman/Sampson/Mercutio/Ensemble – Connor Nekich
Capulet/Mars/Ensemble – Ben George
Lady Capulet/Ensemble – Samantha Sostarich
Benvolio/Ensemble – George Lorimer
Tybalt/Ensemble – Matthew Torkilson
Gregory/Ensemble – Alexis Cimoch
*Appearing through an agreement between Skylight Music Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
**The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union.
Book by Paul Gordon
Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon and Curtis Moore
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Artistic Director Michael Unger**
Choreographed by Tori Watson
Musical Direction by David Bonofiglio
What to Expect
The story follows Sawyer Bloom, a community theatre director rehearsing Romeo and Juliet in New Jersey. When he thinks he can come up with a better ending, he conjures up his childhood imaginary friend, William Shakespeare, for help. The Bard sends Bloom back to Verona in the 15th Century, where he meets the original characters from the play. Bloom falls in love with the real Juliet and brings her back to modern-day New York City, leading to a series of hilarious twists and turns.
Get Your Tickets
Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind musical experience! Tickets for Juliet and Romeo are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.skylightmusictheatre.org or by calling the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office at (414) 291-7800.
Biographies
Allie Babich (Shakespeare) is buzzing at this chance to play ‘the Man Who Pays the Rent.’ Her work spans musicals new and old, nearly half of Shakespeare’s canon, a Disney orchestral tour in Japan, and contemporary feminist clown plays. She is represented by SW Artists. Her favorite Shakespeare quote is from Measure for Measure: Our doubts are traitors / And make us lose the good we oft might win / By fearing to attempt. www.alliebabich.com
Alexis Cimoch (Gregory/Ensemble) is a Milwaukee-based performer and is ecstatic to be in another world premiere at Skylight! She was last seen onstage in SuperYou (Super Ensemble U/S Young Katie) and Evita (Ensemble U/S Mistress). As an Early Career Professional alum, Alexis has various understudy credits from Skylight’s 63rd season. She is also part of the Education team and teaches musical theatre at Pink Umbrella Theater Co. Alexis holds a BA in musical theatre from UW-La Crosse.
Ben George (Capulet/Mars/Officer/Ensemble) is returning for his fifth production at the Skylight Music Theatre. Past roles include Martin in Candide, Harry in Mamma Mia!, Sascha in A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine and Ensemble in The Producers. He has also performed in Belgium asPharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Brussels Light OperaCompany and locally as Bobby in Company at Off the Wall Theatre and Guiteau in Assassins at Windfall Theatre.
Mason Hanizeski (Romeo) is a musician/actor from Greendale, Wisconsin. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2024 with BFA in Music Theater. Recent credits include Harry Karstens in Fannie’s Roadhouse at Alaska Cabin Nite and Armand St. Just in The Scarlet Pimpernel at Jerome Mirza Theatre. He would like to thank his parents for their endless support. He is very excited to make his first appearance with Skylight Music Theatre and hopes you enjoy the show!
George Lorimer (Benvolio/Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Skylight Music Theatre after last playing Troy in Fortunate Sons. Other recent favorite roles include Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol with Milwaukee Rep, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet with Door Shakespeare, Frank Churchill in Emma with Door Shakespeare, and Mischa in Ride the Cyclone with the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. George is also Co-Founder and Executive Director of Vanguard Productions, an independent theatre company here in Milwaukee.