Under 30 tickets: $24 tickets - call the Box Office to reserve. | $28 Senior Rush tickets are sold only on the day of the performance by phone or in person.
Sensory Warning: This production contains depictions of suicide, violence, religious oppression, bullying, and homophobia, and explores themes of repressed sexuality, including same-sex intimacy.
This is a rental event presented by an independent organization separate from City Theatre Company. The views and opinions expressed in the performance do not necessarily reflect those of City Theatre. By purchasing a ticket, you are authorizing the City Theatre to share your information with the show’s producer.
Shakespeare's R&J written by Joe Calarco directed by J. Cody Spellman
A “vibrant, hot-blooded” (The New York Times) adaptation of Romeo & Juliet comes to the City Theatre Mainstage, blurring the line between dreams and reality. Shakespeare’s R&J follows four boys living under strict rules, including what they can and cannot read. In an act of defiance and curiosity, they begin to act out the forbidden play, Romeo and Juliet, amongst themselves. What starts as playful experimentation – assigning roles, improvising costumes from school uniforms – quickly becomes something deeper. Through Shakespeare’s language, the boys reveal hidden desires and vulnerabilities among themselves. By the end, the students face a choice: retreat into silence – or take control of their own voices. In a world built on control, Shakespeare’s words become an act of resistance. A reminder that the choice to speak – or stay silent – is one we all face.
This modal contains biographic information about Sam Lander
Sam Lander
Student 1
Sam Lander (Student 1) is a Pittsburgh-based theatre actor and playwright. He has performed throughout Pittsburgh with Prime Stage Theatre(Great Expectations, Twelve Angry Men, and Edgar A. Poe Presents), Little Lake Theatre(Little Women), South Park Theatre(This Random World), Split Stage Theatre(Death of A Salesman), and Stagewarp Theatre(Animal Farm). His plays can be found on New Play Exchange and his ten minute play The World Falls In: A Saga was featured in The Becoming Arts Collective's inaugural ten minute play festival Bridges and Stages. He is a 2022 graduate of The ACADEMY at Black Box Acting in Chicago and holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from Point Park University.@imsamlander
This modal contains biographic information about Silas Bright
Silas Bright
Student 2
Silas Bright (Student 2/Juliet/Benvolio) is a Pittsburgh-based actor, director, and playwright. He is thrilled to be returning to the stage in his Pittsburgh theatrical debut! A proud alumnus of the BFA Acting program at West Virginia University, Silas’ training in classical text, Meisner technique, fight direction, and intimacy is uniquely suited to the zeitgeist of this production. His stage credits include Oronte in The Misanthrope, Elbow (u/s Provost) in Measure for Measure, Shreddy Eddy in Airness, and Thin in Out At Sea (WVU). While at WVU, Silas directed One Lane Bridge and helmed a workshop of his self-published collection, Adult (barely). On screen, Silas has a diverse portfolio including the role of male stripper Justin Lazor in the short film Dallas Wants to Dance (Mtn Craft Productions), James in The Fountain of Youth (Human Fly Studios), as well as directing, writing, and acting in American Oxytocin. Outside the arts, Silas has an amazing partner in Gianna, he is a father to two cats (Mags and Zazzles) and an axolotl (Toothless), and works full time at Don's Appliances. He would like to extend his gratitude to all of his friends, family, coworkers, and fellow creatives for their endless support. Silas is represented in TV, Film, and Modeling by the Talent Group.@silaslbright
This modal contains biographic information about Nate Dirksen
Nate Dirksen
Student 3
Nate Dirksen (Student 3) is an up and coming creative located in Pittsburgh, PA. Nate was last seen playing Everybody, in Everybody at Otterbein University. Nate graduated Otterbein University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a minor in Film Studies. Since then, Nate has had a brief stint in NYC working with brands such as Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton. After that, Nate found himself taking multiple international trips including heading home to New Zealand! Nowadays, Nate works part time at Patagonia and lives with his stunning girlfriend, Amber. Nate is currently unrepresented. For any business inquiries or leads please email: Natecdirksen@gmail.com. @N8_chad
This modal contains biographic information about Christopher Rone
Christopher Rone
Student 4
Christopher Rone (Student 4) is a Pittsburgh-based actor and fight director. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. From an early age, he was drawn to the power of theatre and entertainment to create laughter, connection, and shared understanding. That passion grew into his mission statement as an artist to tell stories where audiences can see their own humanity reflected in each character. Chris believes storytelling is a powerful force—one that can heal, inspire, and shift perspectives. He received his BFA in Acting at Point Park University. During undergrad, he expanded his horizons beyond acting, training and working as a fight director. Whether performing or directing, Christopher aims to entertain while staying true to the emotional core of every story.@chrisssdr__
This modal contains biographic information about Julia He
Julia He
Producer
Julia is a cross-cultural storyteller and theatre producer working between the United States and China. Her practice is rooted in collaboration and a belief that theatre can create meaningful connections across cultures. She is drawn to projects that are emotionally honest, visually intentional, and grounded in care for both the story and the people telling it. As a stage manager and production manager, Julia brings a process-driven and detail-oriented approach to her work. She is the recipient of the 2026 USITT Stage Management Award, sponsored by Clear-Com. At Carnegie Mellon University, Julia produced and directed Brazil as part of the Playground Festival, creating a poetic multimedia adaptation of Tianqi Liu’s Chinese-language play. Her work reflects a sustained interest in translation as both an artistic practice and a form of cultural excavation, reshaping emotionally complex material across language and context. Across her work, Julia is particularly interested in blending Eastern and Western aesthetics, reimagining classical texts, and experimenting with form and audience engagement. She approaches producing and stage management as practices of care, trust-building, and intentional collaboration, and remains committed to creating theatre that is globally minded, emotionally grounded, and process-driven.
This modal contains biographic information about Alexander Farrell
Alexander Farrell
Producer
Alexander Farrell is a Pittsburgh (soon New York City!)-based Mexican-American stage and production manager. A recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Master of Arts Management from Heinz College and a BFA from the School of Drama, he is passionate about crafting theatrical experiences that resonate widely while fostering meaningful collaboration.
He has held leadership roles across a range of productions. At CMU, he served as Technical Coordinator for the SOD Playground Festival, overseeing production for dozens of original installation and performance works over two years. His experience spans production management, stage management, marketing, and fundraising. He also worked as Production Manager on “Lorca in a Green Dress”, CMU’s first off-site production in years, staged next door at the Lillie Theatre.
Currently, Alexander leads the Dollar Bank Lobby Series at Pittsburgh Public Theater, a community-driven initiative that transforms the O’Reilly Theater lobby into a creative “third space” for audiences and downtown residents. He has also worked at Jacob’s Pillow (2025 Summer Season) and served as Assistant Stage Manager for the Transformed PIT Airport Gala (October 2025).
Ale believes that in a world that often feels chaotic, community is something we actively build. He credits much of his growth to mentors and collaborators and is committed to supporting and uplifting others in turn.
This modal contains biographic information about J. Cody Spellman
J. Cody Spellman
Director
J. Cody Spellman (he/him) is a director for theatre and film. He previously served as the Artistic Director of Throughline Theatre Co., Director of Production at Quantum Theatre, was an SDC Observership Class recipient (2019–21), and is currently pursuing an MFA as a John Wells Directing Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. He received a BA in Theatre Directing from Columbia College Chicago. Notable directing credits include: A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O'Neill (Quantum); Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller (Throughline); #MATTER by Idris Goodwin (Jackalope); Blue Room (Stage 773); Public Parts, Bury the Ratchet (The Second City); The Miseducation of 55th Street (The Revival); The Circle Children, We Are Nowhere (Short films, Malhari Media). Follow him @jcspells, jcodyspellman.com
Note: All services may not be available at all performances. Click the link above for accessible performance schedule or contact customer service for further assistance.
