Romeo and Juliet returns to Iowa City stage

More than 400 years have passed since William Shakespeare passed away. The Bard, who is universally regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, penned 39 plays, many of which still resonate today.

Shakespeare's work still connects since folks still have the same issues with emotions, struggles and aspirations. Shakespeare's most famous play "Romeo and Juliet," has arguably aged the best of any of his works since it's still so relatable.

"We're talking about a play with families that don't like each other and kids from those families, who don't get along and they fall in love," Joy Vandervort-Cobb said. "Yeah, that never happens."

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The wise cracking Vandervort-Cobb, who plays the nurse in the production of "Romeo & Juliet," which is slated for the June 13-29 at the Riverside Theatre’s Festival Stage in Lower City Park, details why the most famous playwright in history still is king of the theater.

"Shakespeare captures what we humans are about," Vandervort-Cobb said. "He captures what we do to one another and does so in a brilliant manner. We go through the same issues. All of the heavy emotions from his lifetime are still here today. The pieces are so relevant since Shakespeare captures what people do to each other."

Mark Worth, who portrays Romeo, concurs. "This story has been told for hundreds of years and it still hits home," Worth said.

Worth, 26, stresses that he has to nail the performance since everyone knows "Romeo and Juliet." "This is the most famous story of all time," Worth said. "I can't think of another story that's so influential and has had such an impact. I'm going to do my best but I'm coming at it with a new and clear perspective. You know the story but I'm taking a fresh approach and bringing my own feelings to the role."

"Romeo & Juliet" is the fourth Shakespeare production for Worth. "But the character I'm portraying is different from any other character I've played," Worth said. "Romeo is fascinating. What's so remarkable about Romeo is that he is so honest in his feelings. I believe that's what drives him throughout his life. I love playing a character that always thinks with his heart, not his head. I think it's relatable for a lot of people since if you think back to being in love when you were young, you get it. That part of life hasn't changed. The characters are so rich and the story is brilliant. "

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Vandervort-Cobb enjoys working with Dale Leonheart, who portrays Juliet. "I love my interaction with her," Vandervort-Cobb said. "What I love about her (Leonheart) is that she plays Juliet in a different manner. I've always looked at Juliet as this soft, weak and frail girl. Our Juliet is a lot of things but she's not weak. Juliet is smart as a whip. Dale is just so present and she showcases Juliet's incredible wit. I've never seen a Juliet this sharp. And as for me, the character I play, the nurse, is so funny. I love her."

Charleston, South Carolina is home for Vandervort-Cobb, who has been in a number of Shakespeare productions during her career. The veteran actress likes it hot. "I love Iowa City but the weather throws me off a bit," Vandervort-Cobb said. "I did a show at Riverside a few years ago and I was told that our springs are beautiful but it was freezing. I packed wrong but other than that being surprised by the weather, I absolutely enjoyed Iowa City and I'm glad to be back."

Worth, who is based in Wilmington, Delaware, is excited about returning to Iowa City with Riverside as he is about making his debut in "Romeo & Juliet."

"Iowa City is just wonderful," Worth said. "It has such a good vibe. I got to learn a lot about Iowa City when I portrayed Neoptolemus in Riverside's production of "The Cure at Troy" during the winter. What I love about it is that Iowa City is a great literature based community. There are so many amazing book shops there. I just love walking around the city. It's really beautiful. Iowa City is a great place to be and the people here support the arts, which is amazing."

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