Shakespeare coming to Pepin Park

Montana Shakespeare in the Park is coming to Havre with their production of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

The troupe travels all over Montana putting on different Shakespeare play productions every year. The events are free and are generally performed in public parks.

This year, they will come to Pepin Park July 4.

The last time the troupe came through Havre was in 2003, Artistic Director Kevin Asselin said.

"It's been years," Asselin said. "We really wanted to get back to Havre because it was always such a great place for us to play."

Asselin said the production of "Romeo and Juliet" they are bringing to Havre is fantastic. The director of the troupe has been with them for several years and "he has a fresh, innovative take on the play."

"Especially when we're trying to make the plays more relevant and accessible to our viewers," he added. The imagery and set of the play will invite the audience into the story, Asselin said.

"There is also some significant swordfighting," Asselin said, laughing.

The play will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Pepin Park, or in the Montana State University-Northern Armory Gymnasium if the conditions for an outside play are not favorable.

As part of the Fourth of July celebration, they are considering performing the "Star-Spangled Banner" before the production.

The troupe is performing both "Romeo and Juliet" and "As You Like It" as part of their tour this year. Asselin said they try to perform both plays in towns near each other to give the communities a chance to see both.

They will be performing "As You Like It" in Malta at the Phillips County Courthouse Lawn at 6 p.m. July 7 or in Malta City Hall if the weather conditions are unfavorable.

The production of "As You Like It" is altered from traditional performances to make the story take place in 1917 Butte, Montana.

Admission is free to both shows.