Timeless Love, Contemporary Vision: The Wayne Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet Brings the Art of Shakespeare to Everyone

This past Friday, February 14—Valentine’s Day—the Wayne Theatre unveiled its production of Romeo and Juliet. Under the direction of Chris Johnston, the talented cast brings Shakespeare’s language to life while seamlessly blending a contemporary setting, making the timeless story both relatable and accessible to all.

Q: Why set Romeo and Juliet in a contemporary world?

Artistic Director Lesley Larsen:

“We want these characters and this setting to be recognizable…to be able to see yourself in this space.”

Q: Some people may feel hesitant about Shakespeare’s language. What would you say to encourage them to see this production?

Larsen:

“We hear ‘Shakespeare,’ and we often associate it with being taught in a way that makes it feel inaccessible. But what this cast and creative team—under the strong and wise hand of Chris Johnston—have done is make this absolutely accessible.

“Think about it: this play was written over 400 years ago. Shakespeare had no knowledge of Waynesboro, Virginia, or Verona, Virginia, yet the themes still resonate today. Most of us in the audience know what it’s like to fall in love or experience first love, and Shakespeare captures that so beautifully.

“In the hands of Chris Johnston and the incredible actors on stage, the story looks, feels, and becomes real. Yes, it’s Shakespeare, and we are honoring his language because we firmly believe in the text. But we also work incredibly hard to ensure it isn’t intimidating or unapproachable—it’s something everyone can connect with.”

Q: How does this production balance honoring Shakespeare’s language while making it accessible?

Director Chris Johnston:

“Most of the language in the play is still used today. One of our biggest focuses was having faith in the words on the page. If you believe in the words and truly understand them, they’re not difficult for audiences to grasp, regardless of the setting.

“Reading Shakespeare can feel daunting, but the moment you start speaking the words aloud, you realize, ‘Oh, I use these phrases all the time.’ And when the language does sound different, there’s usually a reason for it—it serves the story in some way. Shakespeare used rhetorical devices with intention, and as long as the actors understand that, the audience can follow along seamlessly. So, it doesn’t sound strange—it has purpose.”

Q: What can audiences expect when they see Romeo and Juliet at the Wayne Theatre?

Johnston:

“A great time. It’s all about pace and energy. Right from the start, the play tells us it will be ‘two hours’ traffic,’ meaning the story moves quickly and purposefully.

“One of the things I focused on was finding where the hope exists in the play. And I believe it’s in the final moment. We all know the ending—it’s revealed in the very first lines—but when we get there, we want to see resolution. It’s not pretty, but it happens. That’s what we’re trying to earn—the idea that, through the parents’ strife, some kind of peace can be found.”

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Under the visionary direction of Chris Johnston and the artistic leadership of Lesley Larsen, this production of Romeo and Juliet is driven by hope and passion. It honors Shakespeare’s timeless language while making the story feel real and immediate for today’s audience. The pacing is fast, the performances are compelling, and the storytelling is powerful.

The Wayne Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet is a must-see. For tickets and details on the final performances of this hit production at the Wayne Theatre, click or tap here, or call the Box Office at 540.943.9999.