LAKEPORT>>> Romeo n’ Juliet by William Shakespeare debuted on Saturday at Library Park. It was a local co-production by the Lake County Theatre Company and Mendocino College. This was the start of the 2025/2026 season for the theatre company and also the 10th anniversary presentation. The theatre company has been running since 2016. While telling the tale of star-crossed lovers, the setting was transplanted from Veronia, Italy to the Appalachian Mountains of America.
Fitting the setting shift, everything was accounted for by the production’s cast and crew. The set was designed to fit a rural location in the Southern U.S. The wardrobes and props were also designed to fit the setting. Even the accent of the cast was directed to be Southern rather than Elizabethan, which worked for the play’s original text. This was a conscious choice by the director, John Tomlinson.
“There have been some studies that have found out that the Appalachian dialect, that’s up the hills in the South, is like what the British English language would have sounded like in Shakespeare’s day.” Tomlinson shared after the show. “If you think about it, when you’re talking about some yonders – like yonder winder – in the south they still yonder, so right when we started reading it, we’re like this is fun, this is funny.”
Supporting this view was Daniel Moody, who played Mercutio. He felt Shakespeare’s timeless work lent itself to this approach. He specified how the cadence fits the change in the theme.
“So, for example, there’s a point where I say, “More than that, I can tell ya.” And I mean, of course, I can tell you, right? But alright having that, you can throw it into a Southern Dialect, pretty quickly.”
There was a great sense of support and comradery among the cast and crew. From the young actors like Regan Pittman (Romeo), Caitlynn McGee (Juliet), and Taylor Shaw (Paris) to the more experienced members like Moody. The shared perspective on the show was one of fun and optimism.
“I’m looking forward to being more comfortable in front of the audience, being able to give a better performance, and doing it all again ‘cause I love it.” Pittman stated.
“Pretty much the same thing with me, I’m lookin’ to be less jittery and much more easy flowing with all of it. And I’m also very excited to see all the new people.” Shaw agreed.
“Yeah, I’m really excited, I think we did good tonight, I think we can do it the next night, and even better after that. And I think everyone should come to the show, it’s a great show.” McGee remarked.
The best contribution of the theatre company is that there is one. Jo Gosset, an audience member and grandmother to a cast member named Adrianne Maxman, beamed about how comfortable it all felt. “Our small town, we all know each other. It’s community, and we’re all very proud of the kids.”
The hope that Tomlinson has is that “the future is very bright” and that they’ll “be back” for next year.
“Romeo ‘n Juliet by William Shakespeare” runs July 26 and July 27 at Library Park, Lakeport. Additional performances are August 1 and August 2 at Austin Park, Clearlake. All shows begin at 7 p.m.
