For the first time in the city of Driggs, Montana State Shakespeare in the Park (MSIP) will be bringing the classic romance “Romeo and Juliet” to life in a free performance on Tuesday, July 29. Hosted by the Downtown Driggs Community Association (DDCA), the play will unfold on the brand new Driggs City Center Plaza and feature fun and excitement for the entire family. The festivities will start around 5 p.m. with games and thrills for the little ones, as well as the sale of food and beverages for the adults. Blankets and chairs are highly recommended to keep comfy and warm while watching the adventurous tale of two star-crossed lovers unravel on stage at 6:30 p.m.

Arguably the most well known Shakespeare play, “Romeo and Juliet” tells the story of two young lovers from rival families. After falling madly and irrationally in love, they attempt to fight against their doomed fate in order to be together. With daring sword fights, endless romance, and typical Shakespearian irony, “Romeo and Juliet” takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster.

Portraying the many unique characters featured in the play, the talented troupe of actors from MSIP will bring this passionate story to many rural communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho, western North Dakota and eastern Washington. They will perform around 75 shows on the road with MSIP this summer, a daunting task for even the most experienced actor. Not to worry, however, because this troupe of 10 professional actors was selected from the very best in a grueling, nationwide audition process.

These actors are joining MSIP in its 42nd season of Shakespeare in the Park. This company’s mission is to bring high quality, live theater to rural regions and communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theater. As a nonprofit organization, MSIP provides an educational and cultural experience free of charge to the public. Their summer tour began July 1st in Big Sky, Montana and is expected to end Sept. 7 in Bozeman, Mont.

One of the main characteristics of Shakespeare in the Park is the lack of traditional theatrical facilities within the production. Outdoor arenas can occasionally prove to be a challenging environment to perform in, but the actors and production staff conquer it with ease. Leading the actors and production staff is the MSIP director, William Dickerson. This will be Dickerson’s fourth year of conducting the magic on stage for this summer tour.

Combining the immense talent of the actors with a timeless love story, Shakespeare in the Park is sure to be an evening of enchantment and excitement for the whole family. Come and enjoy this free opportunity and experience the beauty of live theater at the Plaza on July 29th.

This article appeared on the Teton Valley News website on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.