LTGI’s “Romeo & Juliet” in Final Showings at TAMIU

Laredo Theatre Guild International (LTGI), in collaboration with Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), presents Romeo and Juliet at TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

The remaining shows are scheduled at TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre Thursday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 17, with performances Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. only.

Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for students and seniors (65+) with valid ID. They are available for purchase at the TAMIU Bookstore and Blue Top, located at 101 Hillside Rd #11, as well as at the box office one hour prior to each show.

The LTGI Production offers a bold return to Shakespeare with a decidedly high-style approach to his classic romantic tragedy.  Produced by LTGI artistic director Joe Arciniega and directed by Marco González, Romeo and Juliet is about two young lovers caught between their feuding families. It is one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most famous works, an iconic tragedy equally remembered for its romance and humor.

Leading the cast in the title roles are Andrew J. Villarreal and Casandra Canales, both TAMIU graduates.

Villarreal performed in one of LTGI’s earliest shows and studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. He has since performed there to great acclaim, including winning the Santa Monica Theatre Guild’s Geoffrey Award for Best Actor for his performance in Equus. Here turns to Laredo as LTGI’s guest artist for this production.

Originally from Nuevo Laredo, Casandra Canales has been a part of many LTGI productions on and off stage. She has also studied at the Texas Shakespeare Festival and her most recent credits include LTGI’s The Taming of the Shrew, The Lion in Winter, The Importance of Being Earnest and, more recently, the young female lead in Bodas de Sangre / Blood Wedding.

Local educators are cast in the show, including Laredo Independent School District theater directors Vernon Carroll (VMT), José Flores (Nixon H.S.), and Karol Batey (Martin H.S.); TAMIU instructor of Communication and Theater Arts, Dr. Gilberto Martínez.

Also cast are Kelly Fitzgerald, Chibbi Orduña, Keenan Rivera, Jacob Rathmell, Alison Hinojosa, Joshua Goldberg, Mark A. Garner, Victoria Young, Andres Regalado, Alejandro Mejia, Arthur Kock, Tony Bondoc, Kesha Hein, Linda Casares, Amanda Treviño, James Villarreal, Patrick Carroll, Russell Simpson, Charlie Elizondo, Victoria Garza, Melissa Leal, and Connor McBee.

For more information call LTGI at (956) 319-8610, email LTGI at laredotheaterguild@gmail.com or visit www.laredotheaterguild.com

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu