EUREKA – Juliet, played by Hattie Standridge, meets Romeo, played by Coleman Payne, at a party in Eureka College’s modern version of “Romeo and Juliet” set for February 25-28 in Pritchard Theatre. Photo provided by Eureka College

EUREKA – Eureka College will stage a modern version of William Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet” at 7:30 PM, February 25-28 in Pritchard Theatre, 300 E. College Ave.

The romantic tragedy relocated and updated to modern day America features two young lovers as they navigate through the politics of their families – the Montagues and the Capulets, who are leaders of rival political parties. The humor in many places in the play will be highlighted, thus emphasizing the tragedy at the end, according to theater professor Marty Lynch, who will direct. The production will contain violence and crude humor.

Cast in lead roles are Coleman Payne of El Paso as Romeo and Hattie Standridge of Sulphur, Okla., as Juliet.

Rounding out the cast are Kristen Franz of Metamora as Mercutio, Jake Geiger of Morton as Benvolio, Anna Dabrowski of Mansfield as Nurse, Christopher Tam of Washington as Lord Capulet, Cathy Sutliff of Bloomington as Lady Capulet, Jason Punke of Eureka as Lord Montague, Veronica Kudulis of Peoria, Ariz., as Lady Montague, Gretchen Schlossler of Eureka as Friar, Trevor McDaniel of Peoria as Paris, Belle Grober of Peoria as Tybalt, Jessica Rogers of Ottawa as Escalus, Kirstin Meyers of Seymour, Ind., as Peter, Hannah Lane of Trivoli as Balthazar, Emmalie Dabrowski of Mansfield as Sampson and Ben Schultz of Mackinaw and Emily Smith of Spring Valley, both as townspeople.

The crew includes stage manager Ashleigh Feger of Downs, set designer Mary Wenzel of Peoria, lighting designer Sarah Ackermann of Arnold, Mo., and costume designer Cate Hosier of Altoona, Iowa.

Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $7 for students. For reservations, call the box office at 467-6363 or e-mail tickets@eureka.edu .