‘Romeo and Juliet’ takes library stage

MANALAPAN – The New Stage Ensemble players will return to the stage at Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, on July 8 at 6:30 p.m. to present Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the story of starcrossed lovers and their feuding families.

“I am excited about coming to the library for this performance,” said Javon Johnson, a Princeton resident who has won acclaim from Oklahoma to Florida for his portrayal of various characters in numerous plays, according to a press release.

“Romeo and Juliet” is set in Verona in the 16th century and focuses on the Capulet and Montague families who have been feuding for ages until the Montague Romeo and Capulet Juliet fall in love and resist all family measures to keep them apart.

Friar Laurence understands their young love, sympathizes with their plight, and uses all of his skills to bring about a satisfactory solution when Juliet’s parents attempt to force her marriage to another.

But a failure in communication brings a tragic end to the couple’s love and lives, while at the same time setting the families on the road to reconciliation and resolution of their differences.

No reservations are necessary to attend the performance, which is being offered to the public at no charge.