THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
Romeo and Juliet: Tribal Rock Musical
Composer/Director William Electric Black sets the Bard’s text
to Rock, Rap, Pop, Soul, Blues, & Gospel Music
March 16 – April 2, 2023
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Running Time: 90 minutes, No intermission
Tickets $18, Seniors and Students $15
Groups of 10 or more use code TRIBAL10
Theater for the New City
155 First Avenue (between 9th & 10th Street)
COMMUNITY SPACE
WARNING: A HAND STROBE WILL BE IN USE
THE BARD’S DIALOGUE HAS A NEW BEAT – Emmy Award winning writer, director, and composer William Electric Black, aka Ian Ellis James, assembles 13 actors and musicians to perform the actual Romeo & Juliet Shakespearian text with pop, soul, blues, gospel, hip hop, and rock songs written by William Electric Black. William Electric Black gives his high-energy, high-concept production an immersive touch by bringing the Bard right into the audience’s lap. In fact, each night some lucky audience member will be picked to start the show by giving the opening Prologue. You might also see yourself dancing at the Capulet feast or being asked to call for Romeo after she leaps the orchard wall. Romeo & Juliet: Tribal Rock Musical is for today’s world as these star-crossed lovers identify as female – and so do Friar Laurence, Benvolio, Paris, The Prince of Verona, and Tybalt. This gender switch, in these typical male roles, is just part of an Electric Black Theater Experience that will have you singing – “What soft through yonder window breaks” or “Rebellious subjects enemies to peace profaners of this neighbor-stained steel”. The show features a live band including two actor/musicians, Elli Casterisano as Friar Laurence (on drums) and Kait Warner as Tybalt (keyboard) with musical direction by William Wagner (bass) and vocal direction is by Kat Yew (keyboard) and Kait Warner.
Photo by Remy.S
William Electric Black describes the piece as “tribal” in the sense that “Hair” was labeled a “tribal rock musical.” He too has gathered a tribe of actors, musicians, and designers to rally around Shakespeare’s language and his timeless love story for the sole purpose of transforming it into a bold, theatrical production.
It’s not a jukebox musical version nor is it a take-off on the Bard’s tragedy. It’s Romeo & Juliet with edited book and lyrics by William Shakespeare, flavored with the same an East Village tribal fire that launched Rent, The Blue Man Group, and Hamilton. The glittery-glam Capulets and Montagues with sequin trimmed jean vests created by costume designer Susan Hemley, the Bard’s words floating above the raised stage designed by Lytza Colon/Mark Marcante, riveting lighting by Alexander Bartenieff, and the fierce choreography by Lauren Barette will make you stand up and cheer – I DO NOT BITE MY THUMB AT THIS SHOW – I LOVE IT!
Photo by Remy.S
***TRIBAL MUSICIANS
Elli Caterisano – Drums
William Wagner – Bass
Kait Warner – Keyboards
Katherine Yew – Keyboards
***TRIBAL ACTORS
William Electric Black
Paulina Breeze
Elli Caterisano
Tyler Fuentes
Amy Herzberg
Kennedy Jazz
Shanna Henry Phillips
Shayli Reagan
Kamala Rose
Lydia Stevenson
Kait Warner
***TRIBAL CREW
MUSIC AND DIRECTION BY WILLIAM ELECTRIC BLACK
BOOK & LYRICS BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
MUSICAL DIRECTION: WILLIAM WAGNER
VOCAL DIRECTION: KAT YEW/KAIT WARNER
CHOREOGRAPHY: LAUREN BARETTE
COSTUMES: SUSAN HEMLEY
LIGHTING DESIGN: ALEXANDER BARTENIEFF
SET DESIGN: LYTZA COLON
SCENIC: MARK MARCANTE
GRAPHICS/PROGRAM: ERIKKA JAMES
Stage Manager: Daylon Fernandez
Board Operator: Megan Horan
Photographer: Remy.S
William Electric Black aka Ian Ellis James – Emmy Award winning writer (Sesame Street – Nickelodeon – PBS – Lancit Media – Winchester TV & Film – Pinna FM). has been a major part of the downtown theater scene for many years (Theater For The New City – La MaMa ETC.). He is a faculty member at NYU TISCH, Department of Visual and Dramatic Writing.
His work re: gun violence prevention and awareness starting with 5 and 6-year-olds has been getting major attention. https://www.npr.org/2022/06/07/1103391896/how-the-arts-can-help-children-think-about-gunviolence In, 2021, Ian wrote, directed, and produced 7 animated shorts – “Food Thoughts”, for WTTW – Chicago (https://interactive.wttw.com/food-thoughts). In 2021, Ian was also creative consultant on a children’s TV pilot, “Fish On Ice” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TxHMUe-MTo).
He wrote, directed, and produced animated and live action short films featuring hip hop artists Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, and Artie Green (Hip Hop Public Health). The short films promoted exercise and healthy living for young children re: obesity prevention. His Gunplays Series produced by Theater For The New City will be published by Applause Theater Books, fall 2023.
COVID Protocol:
As of September 26th, 2022, we are no longer requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for our audience upon entry.
Wearing of masks is suggested in the lobby, restrooms and performance spaces at Theater for the New City, but they are not required.