Long, known for his roles on "Galaxy Quest," "He's Just Not That Into You" and "Jeepers Creepers," will appear as Romeo alongside the previously announced Evan Rachel Wood in the role of Juliet. Romeo and Juliet runs May 15-17.
Wood's brother, Ira David Wood, IV will direct and appear as Mercutio in the production, which also stars Ira David Wood, III (father to Evan and Ira) in the role of Capulet and Linda Clark as Lady Capulet. The production will serve as a benefit for Theatre in the Park's annual fund for arts and education.
The cast also features David Henderson (Friar Lawrence), Rasool Jahan (The Nurse), Michael Murray (Tybalt), John McIlwee (Montague), Andrea Schulz Twiss (Lady Montague), Matthew Rubolino (Benvolio), Rob Rainbolt (Gregory), James Hampton Rowe (Sampson), James Miller (Paris), D. Anthony Pender (Prince Escalus), Tim Caudle (Peter), Samuel Whisnant (Abraham), Jackson Bloom (Balthazar), Brent Simpson (Friar John) and chorus members Mattney Beck, Emily Gardenhire, Rita Glynn, Mike Raab and Bridget Russell.
"Evan's first major role at Theatre In The Park was as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker," Ira David Wood, III said in a previous statement. "Watching her work, there was no doubt in my mind that she was going to have an amazing career as an actress. We're all deeply grateful that she and her brother came to us with this project. It's always so important to come home and to give something back to the place and people who nurtured and helped guide you when you were just starting out. It's going to be a wonderful production and I'm grateful to have been included."
Evan Rachel Wood, who has appeared in such films as "The Wrestler," "Across the Universe," "Running with Scissors" and "Thirteen," recently revealed that she will make her Broadway debut in the new musical Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark. While Wood has participated in readings of the musical, no official announcement has been made. Best known for his screen roles, Justin Long has also been seen in the Williamstown Theatre Festival production of Hot l Baltimore and the 2008 The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway.
Tickets for Romeo and Juliet are available by phoning (919) 831-6058, or by visiting TheatreInthePark.
