The People Vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo And Juliet
by Ron West, Phil Swann

Name: The People Vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo And Juliet
Brand: Ron West
SKU: 9780573697401
Rating: 4.5 (5 reviews)

The People Vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo And Juliet Cover

The People Vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo And Juliet Book Cover — The People Vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo And Juliet Cover

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 mins Present Day Ensemble Cast Bare Stage/Simple Set Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes American Comedy

Synopsis

Friar Laurence tries to prove he is innocent of the murders of Romeo and Juliet.

Themes Drama

Press Reviews

"Hysterical… West and Swann have shrouded the tale with witty story devices and a bright cloak of catchy songs that add to the ribald humor while moving the story along in the best traditions of musical theatre."
— Chicago Sun-Times

"Whip-smart, intensely amusing… a blast!"
— Chicago Tribune

"The funniest new show of the season… a musical score as clever as you’ll hear this side of Stephen Sondheim."
— Copley News Service

"Creators Ron West and Phil Swann vigorously attack the elements of Shakespeare’s story, loosing the Bard’s words and adding a blizzard of laugh-inducing moments that ramp up the original story line. This is a land of witty songs, wacky characterizations and silly modern references that fit together like warped pieces of a very old puzzle."
— Chicago Sun-Times

"The People vs. Friar Laurence does to Romeo and Juliet what Mel Brooks did to Robin Hood and westerns, though it may be even wittier."
— Lansing City Pulse

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
FRIAR LAURENCE (tenor-baritone) – claims he tried to keep the peace between the Capulets and Montagues, but all his good intentions are met with ruin. His defense is little match for the Prince’s prosecution, and he spends the play desperately trying to exonerate himself. The same actor plays Juliet’s Nurse, who: A. complains a lot, and B. thinks she is a lot more desirable than she is.	female	—	(tenor-baritone) – claims he tried to keep the peace between the Capulets and Montagues, but all his good intentions are met with ruin. His defense is little match for the Prince’s prosecution, and he spends the play desperately trying to exonerate himself. The same actor plays Juliet’s Nurse, who: A. complains a lot, and B. thinks she is a lot more desirable than she is.
PRINCE ESCALUS (tenor-baritone) – is good cop and bad cop rolled into one, making it very difficult to win any argument with him. He is intent on remaining in power and is using the Friar’s plight as leverage. He has a smiling face and an evil heart. He also plays Paris, whose main attribute is he is a lousy match for Juliet.	male	—	(tenor-baritone) – is good cop and bad cop rolled into one, making it very difficult to win any argument with him. He is intent on remaining in power and is using the Friar’s plight as leverage. He has a smiling face and an evil heart. He also plays Paris, whose main attribute is he is a lousy match for Juliet.
ROMEO (tenor) – is lovesick for Rosaline and is subject to fits of crying. He and the Friar are great friends. He and Mercutio are acquaintances, though Mercutio thinks otherwise. With good intentions, he makes some bad choices, ultimately leading to his ruin.	male	—	(tenor) – is lovesick for Rosaline and is subject to fits of crying. He and the Friar are great friends. He and Mercutio are acquaintances, though Mercutio thinks otherwise. With good intentions, he makes some bad choices, ultimately leading to his ruin.
MERCUTIO (tenor-baritone) – is, as Shakespeare said, in love with the sound of his own voice. His lines come from Romeo and Juliet, so the other characters can’t understand him. He thinks he’s great, but he’s kind of lonely, since the other characters try to get away from him. This casting track requires a chamaeleon, as the same actor plays An Officer of the Law, Lord Montague and the rock-and-roll Apothecary.	male	—	(tenor-baritone) – is, as Shakespeare said, in love with the sound of his own voice. His lines come from Romeo and Juliet, so the other characters can’t understand him. He thinks he’s great, but he’s kind of lonely, since the other characters try to get away from him. This casting track requires a chamaeleon, as the same actor plays An Officer of the Law, Lord Montague and the rock-and-roll Apothecary.
GREGORY (tenor-baritone) – is an illiterate Capulet servant who, while dumb as a post, displays occasional flashes of brillance. The same actor plays Tybalt, who is basically a bully and troublemaker.	male	—	(tenor-baritone) – is an illiterate Capulet servant who, while dumb as a post, displays occasional flashes of brillance. The same actor plays Tybalt, who is basically a bully and troublemaker.
LORD CAPULET (bass) – is anxious to marry off Juliet. Drunk loud, and angry, but kind of a ladies’ man.	male	—	(bass) – is anxious to marry off Juliet. Drunk loud, and angry, but kind of a ladies’ man.
JULIET (soprano) – is headstrong, smart, and not without a flair for the dramatic. She wants to use Romeo to help annoy her father, but somewhere along the line genuinely falls for him. Also plays her own brother, Sampson, and other small roles.	female	—	(soprano) – is headstrong, smart, and not without a flair for the dramatic. She wants to use Romeo to help annoy her father, but somewhere along the line genuinely falls for him. Also plays her own brother, Sampson, and other small roles.
LADY CAPULET (soprano) – When the role was written, the term MILF didn’t exist, but that’s what she is. She is trapped in a marriage of convenience that seems like love to her.	female	—	(soprano) – When the role was written, the term MILF didn’t exist, but that’s what she is. She is trapped in a marriage of convenience that seems like love to her.
BENVOLIO (alto) – Romeo’s best friend	—	—	(alto) – Romeo’s best friend

Videos

People vs. Friar Laurence: The Man Who Killed Romeo and Juliet

Publication

Publisher Samuel French

Year 2010

Binding Paperback

Edition Samuel French Acting ed.

Pages 162

Place New York

Language English

ISBN-13 9780573697401

ISBN-10 057369740X

LCCN 2011563037

LCC ML50.S9816 P46 2010

The People Vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo And Juliet is a American comedy play written by Ron West and published by Samuel French in New York (2010).