Reaction to play is disheartening

To the editor:

I'd like to mention a few things regarding the current controversy over "Romeo and Juliet" at Southeast Missouri State University.

I'm disheartened to hear that some patrons have pulled their ticket orders for the show in fear that it is too adult or ribald. I had the pleasure of seeing the production Friday. It was, without a doubt, one of the most original interpretations of the show I have ever seen, and Kenn Stilson is to be commended. We should be thankful that we have faculty and directors with a willingness to push the envelope.

This is a racy show, with racy characters, as intended by William Shakespeare. Stilson understands this and brings it to life. There is no reason to play it safe. Some high schools have recently canceled ticket orders, which is particularly ironic, considering this may be one of the most high school-accessible Shakespearean productions for the youths of Cape Girardeau that the community has ever seen. PG-13? Yes. But so is virtually everything we see these days.

I sincerely hope the arts supporters in Cape turn out for this show. The Department of Theatre and Dance should be congratulated for an outstanding -- and most importantly, original -- production.

TIM NICOLAI, Jackson