Meet Romeo & Juliet

 Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet opens tonight at the Shelby County Community Theatre. It stars Kaitlin Erhard and Michael Sheehy in the title roles. The Sentinel-News asked Erhard and Sheehy to share more about their experiences and playing two such famous characters.

Steve Doyle

Kaitlin Erhard (left) and Michael Sheehy rehearse the title roles of Romeo & Juliet.

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Juliet: Kaitlin Erhard

Age: 18

Residence: Louisville

School: I am not in school right now, but I am going to the University of Louisville in the fall to double major in Theater and Education. I'd like to be a theater teacher, in the end!

Tell us about your previous acting/performing experience.

I started acting only about two years ago. I started because I loved to sing, so I was in musicals for about a year. When I auditioned for a straight play, I actually got the part, and it was then that I realized I could actually act! (haha...) I've been in one play in Kentucky, and it was in the Curious Savage (I was Fairy May). I've also been Nuncrackers, Ragtime, Anybody for Tea? and Footloose.

What is the favorite character you have played?

My very favorite character so far was Sister Amnesia in Nuncrackers. I got to sing, make people laugh, do an awful rendition of the Russian Ballet, and I didn't have any costume changes! I would love the chance to play that role again.

Is this the first time you've done Shakespeare?

Yes! This is also the first time I've had a non-comedic role, so I'm very excited about the challenge.

How do you memorize your lines?

My family has been so helpful with this. They will read lines with me for hours on end!

What is the most difficult aspect of this production?

The most difficult part of this production has been finding my inner Juliet. I had to become a very young girl again.

What would you tell the audience about Romeo & Juliet?

I would tell the audience that Romeo & Juliet is truly a great show that has many very funny parts as well as many very touching parts. We have a great and enthusiastic cast that will surely leave you entertained.

Do you plan to make performing a career?

I would love to be a famous actress, but who wouldn't? I think that my future involves performing, but in the form of being a theater teacher.

Romeo: Michael Sheehy

Age: 18

Residence: Shelbyville

School: Shelby County High School

Tell us about your previous acting/performing experience.

I've done a lot of plays at both the community theater and at the high school.

What is the favorite character you have played?

I really enjoyed my role as Hans Scholl in The Rose of Treason, but Guiliano in Big Love was just a fun experience!

Is this the first time you've done Shakespeare?

Yeah...intimidating!

How do you memorize your lines?

Rinse and repeat.

What is the most difficult aspect of this production?

Understanding what I'm saying and conveying that to an audience that can be easily confused by the language

What would you tell the audience about Romeo & Juliet?

I've actually discovered how funny the show is...until people start to die! Just sit back and laugh and realize that Romeo and Juliet are so young and are capable of feeling emotions that many people can only dream of experiencing.

Do you plan to make performing a career?

Definitely! I plan to attend the University of Kentucky and continuing my love of theater.