A&E FYI: BOLD-choice to stage original play Feb. 19

BOLD-choice Theatre Company has created an original piece, “Romeo and Juliet’s Tragic Comedy,” which will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Marshall School’s Fregeau Auditorium.

BOLD (Battling Obstacles Living with Disabilities) was created by CHOICE, unlimited, a private nonprofit agency dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. CHOICE, unlimited’s mission is to provide quality services to adults with special needs leading them to greater self-determination and independence.

The BOLD-choice Theatre Company was developed to help more fully realize this mission. It provides a unique style of theatre performance that exposes community and student audiences to the talents of individuals with disabilities, opening new channels for dialogue and providing a venue to “talk” across barriers.

“Romeo and Juliet’s Tragic Comedy” is based on the Shakespearean classic tale of star-cross’d love. In the BOLD version of the story, the characters face the realities of discrimination, stereotyping, alienation and groupthink.

They also experience the joys of young love, friendship, family and unification. As the story unfolds, the actors themselves get a chance to share the challenges they have personally encountered, as well their own hopes and wishes.

“Romeo and Juliet’s Tragic Comedy” allows the audience a chance to experience a new world with an entertaining and honest twist on the age-old story of love and hate. The play encourages the ideas of thinking for one’s self and looking beyond pre-conceived notions — questioning why we act the way we do toward people who are different than us.

“Romeo and Juliet’s Tragic Comedy” brings to life the beauty of finding similarities among one another and appreciating the differences that make us unique.

Cost is $5 at the door (general seating), children younger than 6 are free. Following the performance, a reception with the cast will be held. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 725-5869.

~Information courtesy CHOICE, unlimited