Romeo and Juliet Opens Friday!

“Romeo and Juliet,” the Shakespeare classic, will open in Deer Lodge at the Cutler Bros. Theatre on Friday, July 24th and run to Sunday, August 16th with showings Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.  The second play of the Cutler Brother’s altered season will be directed by veteran to the Cutler stage and resident actor Marquis Dijon Archuleta in his directorial debut with the troupe. ​

Archuleta first took roles at the Cutler Bros. Theatre in 2014 when he played Crooks in “Of Mice and Men” and Benny Southstreet in “Guys and Dolls.”  Since that time, he has been back to Deer Lodge for every summer theatre season for at least one show.  His resume at Cutler Brothers includes roles in “Chicago,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Tom Robinson), “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Peter), “Damn Yankees,” “The Little Mermaid” (Sebastian), and many more. ​

​Archuleta is a graduate from the University of Montana’s theatre program with an emphasis in acting and is excited to deliver to audiences his interpretation of this timeless piece.  In his directorial debut the “Romeo and Juliet” that will be presented will have a modern flare and even take place in certain locations around Montana.  “The plotlines of this show seem to never lose their relevancy, no matter what year the show is produced,” Archuleta stated.  He would know.  Marquis has performed “Romeo and Juliet” over 5 times playing 5 different roles as well as countless other Shakespeare in Missoula, MT and at the Tennessee Shakespeare Company.

On top of the directorial debut, Marquis will play the extensive role of Friar Laurence in the show among a solid cast of Deer Lodge-locals and a few recruited Missoulians.  Jourdan Nokleby (Nurse) and Erin Agner (Sampson/Friar John) will both make their Deer Lodge-debuts as well and both have broad credits with the University of Montana, Montana Repertory Theatre, and other companies across the country.  Lee Hague, a Deer Lodgian, makes his theatrical debut as the Prince and Matthew (Tybalt) and Patrick (Lord Capulet) Cutler will represent the Cutler family in the production.  Romeo will be played by Louis Savalla and Juliet by Megan Blue Earth-Highley, both of which will be freshmen in high school this fall.

​The cast tops out at 16 total members and the show will run for 4 straight weeks at the Cutler Theatre.  Tickets are $20 general admission and interested parties are encouraged to visit the Cutler Brothers Productions Facebook page for current specials.  Reservations are recommended due to social distancing efforts and may be made by calling the box office at (406) 846-4096.  Visit cutlerbros.com for more information.