Conrad Ricamora may be the first male to play the role of Juliet since Shakespeare himself was alive. He’ll take on the role in Shakespeare’s R&J from Mauckingbird Theatre Company. In the play, four male students study Romeo and Juliet at a preparatory school. As the show progresses, their own characters and stories combine with Shakespeare’s tragedy, offering a completely new take on the classic’s themes of sexuality, friendship and social hierarchy.
Ricamora has acted in the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival and Clark Park’s Shakespeare festival here in Philly. You can also catch him as a DMV cop in Talladega Nights: The Balad of Ricky Bobby opposite Will Ferrell.
What was the hardest part of your role in R&J?
I think the most challenging and rewarding part of the show is the language. You can ride it like a wave. A big ol’ terrifying wave.
How does this show compare to other Shakespeare productions you’ve done?
When I worked at the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, we wore more traditional Shakespearean clothing. But the principles of handling the language were still the same. However, the circumstances set up in this production force people in the audience to hear the words in a new way.
What are you most looking forward to during the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe?
One of my friends is working on a play that includes a giant squid/octopus [The Giant Squid by SQUID INC.] and another friend is putting up Vampire Lesbians of Sodom by Charles Busch… The Philly Fringe Festival is so subtle.
What is the best play you saw in Philadelphia recently?
I don’t get to see much theater, but I laughed so hard at 1812 Production’s The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.
What’s your favorite “Philly” thing to do?
Definitely “pay-what-you-wish” Sundays at the Art Museum. Or “pay-what-you-wish” anything, really…
Shakespeare’s R&J
August 1 - 23, Adults $20, Students/Seniors $15
www.mauckingbirdtheatreco.org
Adrienne Theatre, Mainstage
2030 Samson St, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 563-4330
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