While Juliet is wondering “Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” some playgoers may be wondering wherefore art the Shakespearean traditions in Thunder Bay Theatre’s rendition of “Romeo & Juliet.”

However, that is kind of the point Producing Artistic Director Jeffrey Mindock is trying to make here, with this, his latest in the Shakespeare Project, where the core company performs pieces by William Shakespeare, but with a creative twist. He’s trying to appeal to a wider audience, and it’s working.

If you’re not into marrying modern collegiate themes with Shakespearean tradition, you might not enjoy this show, which features college students wearing modern clothing bearing the names and colors of rivals Michigan State and the University of Michigan. But if you’re open to a few liberties taken with the script, such as adding references to Michigan and Ann Arbor in place of the historic Verona, and a comedic punch here and there, come on down. That’s all that’s been changed, script-wise, though. They are in college garb, and there’s even a multi-colored strobe light club scene, but they stick to the Shakespearean language throughout the performance.

Marching bands boom from the speakers, playing college fight songs at the appropriate times, such as during one of the tumultous fight scenes, done very convincingly, especially by the hot-headed Tybalt, played by Anna Marck. That’s right, a female actor plays Tybalt. And well, I might add.

All the actors give a tremendous performance, delivering the Shakespearean lines with fervor and flair. Even a Shakespeare beginner can grasp what’s happening onstage. Regardless of the language, the actors make it feel like you are there, in the dorm, or in the courtyard, feeling that excitement and pain of a forbidden first love and the turmoil of an unending rivalry.

Starring returning actors Lucas Moquin and Farrell Tatum as Romeo and Juliet, the show also features Victoria Sasso as Nurse, Jordan hand as Benvolio, Michael Ferguson as Mercutio, Anna Marck as Tybalt, Anna Hermanson as Lady Capulet, Adrian Alexander as Doctor Laurence, David Usher as Capulet, Jessica Luther as BIG Commissioner (Prince), Ely Irving as Montague, Hannah Matzke as Sampson, Joey Lanier as Gregory, Isabel Luther as Balthasar, and Katie Kurowski as Abraham.

Thunder Bay Theatre

“Romeo & Juliet”

Playwright:

William Shakespeare

Oct. 26-Nov. 11

7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday

2 p.m. Sunday

Box office: 989-354-2267