Shakespeare in the Park Debuts “Romeo and Juliet”

A pair of star-crossed lovers will make their way to Aspen’s Galena Plaza tonight, opening the eighth season of Hudson Reed Ensemble’s Shakespeare in the Park. The popular outdoor theater series returns each August with a free performance of a Shakespearean play, and this year’s selection is “Romeo and Juliet.” Tiered benches surround the small amphitheater; this summer organizers have decided to seat the audience on the lawn and the actors on the benches to create a more intimate viewing experience.

Shakespeare in the Park is a free performance, and attendees are invited to bring picnics, blankets and snacks for the show.

This will be the first performance of “Romeo and Juliet” at Shakespeare in the Park. Performances take place today through Sunday, Aug. 22 through 25 and Aug. 30 and 31. All shows begin at 6 p.m. The Aug. 31 performance will feature a pre-show talk by Shakespearean scholars Ken and Carol Adelman.