Shakespeare's classic story of two star-crossed lovers has inspired musical, film and theatrical adaptations. It's also one of the most popular ballets.
Kansas City Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet brings this story of young love to the stage.
The ballet's choreographer, Ib Andersen, describes the love between the two characters as "an emotion so powerful it can take your breath away." Two casts portray Romeo and Juliet in the production including company members Angelina Sansone and Luke Luzicka, and Kimberly Cowen and Anthony Krutzkamp.
Kimberly Cowen and Anthony Krutzkamp have each played Juliet and Romeo in productions of the ballet before, but this marks their first time dancing the roles together.
Krutzkamp says there's a lot of discussion between the two casts about "what works and what doesn't." But there's one goal in mind, according to Krutzkamp: "The biggest thing is reaching the audience."
"We each have our own ideas that we're putting into it," Cowen says. "We appreciate what the others do, but it's a very personal, personal ballet."
Kansas City Ballet presents Romeo and Juliet, February 17 - 26, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.
