Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Perfect Timing

“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” Today’s teens might not phrase it so eloquently, but surely Shakespeare’s tender words capture the headiness of first love no matter the era. Still, younger audiences sometimes need convincing — so the Acting Company and Guthrie Theater switch it up in an interpretation of Romeo and Juliet set in the early 20th century. “Although it was a hundred years ago, there are photos and films of this period, which I think makes it seem more accessible,” director Penny Metropulos explains in an email. As far as the plot goes, well, swordplay and star-crossed lovers never go out of style.