The feud between the Capulet and Montague families with its tragic consequences will be played out on the stage at California State University, Stanislaus.

The university’s theatre department is performing William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” under the night sky at the amphitheatre.

The production is bringing together the talents of university students and special guest artists. Juliet will be portrayed by Mia Carrick, recent recipient of the “Best of Festival” award at the 2011 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region VIII Festival in Los Angeles. The role of Romeo will feature guest artist Nick Dargis, from the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Guest artist David Gonzales, also from the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, will be featured as Tybalt and will also work with students as the fight captain for the production. The production is under the direction of Daniel Gately from the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

The story of “Romeo and Juliet” follows the love that blooms between the two teenagers from the warring clans. Married in secret, they hope for reconciliation between their families, but when short tempers lead to deadly consequences the young lovers find themselves alone and on the run, facing impossible odds, and making desperate decisions.