Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet is coming to Downtown Macon for two select dates in November. This is Romeo and Juliet like you’ve never seen before.

Mercer Theatre will present a fresh twist on Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers Nov. 10 and 17 in Hollingsworth Park. Set in a world inspired by modern Anime, audiences will accompany this young couple from their first kiss to their parting words. The action is swift in this fast-paced script treatment by noted classical theatre actor and director John Ammerman.

“It's an event for the whole community – time to enjoy a beautiful November day with friends, family and the Mercer Theatre program,” said Frani Rollins, assistant professor at Mercer University.

This production is free to the public, which is in large part due to the collaborative work of Mercer Theatre, Situation Room and funding from the Downtown Challenge Grant by the Community Foundation.

“This took a year of labor, logistics and planning to revitalize the parks on Poplar Street and to now host a performance that will bring a quality entertainment to all who attend. We are very thankful to the Community Foundation for supporting this effort. Our goal has always been to bring high-quality family entertainment to Macon, and we hope to see more activities like this available to the public in the future,” said Brandan Wormsbacher, co-founder of Situation Room.

Mercer Theatre will perform at the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts during select dates in November. However, Maconites can catch a free performance in the newly revitalized Hollingsworth Park, which is located on Poplar Street between Third Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, on Nov. 10 and 17, with performances set to start at 2:30 p.m. All are encouraged to bring a blanket to enjoy a classic tale in the perfect fall weather.