At 7 p.m. Nov. 5, 6 and 7, the curtain will rise on Emmaus High School drama department’s production of “Romeo and Juliet.”

A contender for the most well-known of Shakespeare’s plays, Romeo’s and Juliet’s tale of love thwarted by communal hatreds remains contemporary. Love that defies approval, dissension between familial groups and the tragic consequences of violence are issues as pervasive today as they were when the play first appeared.

Director and Emmaus High School drama teacher Jill Kuebler wisely chose to blend modern costumes and scenery with Shakespeare’s eloquence. As Julia Bezems, Juliet, explains, “[Although] memorization is a major milestone... the whole play is a beautiful piece of poetry.”

Jason Bowen, Romeo to Bezems’ Juliet, agrees and adds he “appreciates the depth of the language.”

The play also incorporates a great deal of action; challenges, brawls and duels abound. Romeo, backed by Mercutio and Benvolio, Nick Quinn and Sebastian Mora respectively, first combats the Capulets led by the menacing Tybalt, convincingly depicted by Joseph Freemont. He ultimately confronts Paris, his rival for Juliet’s affection, played by Noel Vinovskis.

As Lord and Lady Capulet Robert Lynn and Victoria Reichelderfer control a royal household which includes Cathy Ritter in the role of Juliet’s irrepressible nurse. The Montague Clan is headed by Lord Montague, Luis Rivera and Lady Montague, Chloe Mathieu.

Jaeden Reppert appears as the well-meaning, but meddlesome, Friar Lawrence.

A strong supporting cast rounds out the ensemble.

The actors must display emotions ranging from tenderness to ferocity in combination with strong physicality. Kuebler’s talented cast is up to the task.

Quinn expresses the group’s commitment to developing an excellent presentation, “Our job is to bring it [the play] to life.”

For ticket information and seat availability, contact the high school office by calling 610-965-1661.