Nashville Ballet has proudly announced the four incredible dancers who will portray the lead characters for the highly-anticipated production of Paul Vasterling’s Romeo & Juliet.   James Lankford and Nicolas Scheuer will play the role of Romeo, while Jamie Kopit and Lily Saito will play the role of Juliet as the beloved production returns to Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Jackson Hall this weekend – April 20 (2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.) and April 21 (2 p.m.) under the artistic direction of Nick Mullikin. 

The production of Romeo and Juliet underlines Nashville Ballet’s mission to embark on a new path that respects the rich history of the Ballet, while embracing a vibrant and innovative future.

“I’m truly excited about the talent level of our artists,” says Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director & CEO.  “What most people may not realize is that Nashville Ballet is not a traveling company.  We are fortunate to have 32 incredibly talented professional dancers that live and work in our community.  So, I’m thrilled that the audience is going to see an exquisite presentation by a group of artists that make Nashville their home.”

The talented cast will portray the bitter feud between the Montague and Capulet families that disrupts the city of Verona and ends in tragedy.  Audiences are sure to enjoy the dramatically authentic fight scenes as the Nashville Ballet enlisted London-based fight director Tim Klotz to help develop the choreography.

Tickets are selling quickly for this whirlwind of forbidden passion and swoon-worthy romance happening April 20 & 21. Tickets are on sale now and start at $48 at NashvilleBallet.com, TPAC box office or by phone at 615-297-2966 x 710.   

Created in 2004, and last presented by Nashville Ballet in 2019, this production of Romeo and Juliet draws inspiration from a variety of sources. Though the story takes place in Shakespeare’s time, and many elements of the costumes, sets, and choreography remain authentic to that period, this production features modern influences from works like West Side Story and Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic 1968 film adaptation for a production that pays perfect homage to the Bard’s beautifully tragic love story.

Integral to the authenticity of the work, Nashville Ballet enlisted London-based fight director Tim Klotz to help develop the choreography in the ballet’s dramatically authentic fight scenes.  Klotz’s extensive experience in stage combat instruction offers Company dancers guidance on making the ballet’s sword fighting appear lifelike and action-packed.  What’s more, Klotz’s industry knowledge helped to create fight choreography that draws directly from the cape fighting styles traditional to the Shakespearean era, a quality unique to Nashville Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet adaptation.

In addition, their powerful performances will be enhanced by the emotional depth of Sergei Prokofiev’s score, performed live by The Nashville Symphony, and the visual splendor of lavish costumes and sets.  This tapestry of elements will undoubtedly provide a theatrical experience that honors the legacy of Shakespeare’s work while showcasing the dynamic artistic vision propelling the Nashville Ballet forward.

A complete schedule of performances dates & times and more information about Nashville Ballet can be found at https://www.nashvilleballet.com/romeo-and-juliet-2024.