Voice Over Pro and Storyteller Champ Bill Ratner to Wow Crowd in Romeo and Juliet at LA's Pico House

July 9, 2010 - PRLog -- BillRatner.com
Media contact:  WJ Carrel

Los Angeles, CA – 5-time The Moth Story Slam winner and voice-over talent Bill Ratner prepares himself for the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd as he mounts the stage in the role of The Prince in the Downtown Repertory Theater Company’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet July 10-24, 2010 at Los Angeles’ historic Pico House, 424 Main Street, Los Angeles, CA  90012 (facing Olivera Street) at 7:00 p.m.  The Pico House, the former home of Governor Pio Pico and later a Grand Hotel with three levels of balconies on its interior open-air courtyard, is reminiscent of Britain’s Globe Theater where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed in 1598.

In keeping with the old Los Angeles city setting director Peter Wittrock has placed the story in California circa 1870 instead of Verona, Italy.  “There was a period of relative calm on the surface of things but with great pressures of change growing underneath – a period not unlike Shakespeare’s own,” comments Wittrock.  In this production the Anglo Montagues and the Latin Capulets underscore the conflicts of the period.  Wittrock emphasizes that his goal is to keep the integrity of the Shakespeare classic so it is not overwhelmed by a forced, modern message.  The period costumes are by Arianna Ratner.

Bill Ratner created a huge following of fans who remember him as “Flint” in GI Joe, Family Guy, and Robot Chicken.  Currently, he is the voice of numerous movie trailers, TV networks, and affiliate stations around the U.S. where he is recognized for his soothing delivery, inimitable charm, and wry humor.  His short stories and essays are published in Pleiades: A Journal of New Writing, Cheng Kung Literary, Southern Anthology, Papier Mache, Nightblade, Spork, Marquee, and Coast Magazine.  He is the voice of Niteblade.com’s first-ever spoken word horror story which he also wrote.  He lives in Los Angeles, CA, and owns three bicycles in various states of disrepair.  More about Bill Ratner can be found at billratner.com.

The Downtown Repertory Theater, a non-profit organization now celebrating its second season, was founded by Devon Armstrong.  The troupe is comprised of LA County High School of the Arts alumni but also features classically trained long-time acting veterans such as Ratner, as well as recent graduates from acting conservatories around the country.  Performances are scheduled for July 10, July 11, July 16, July 18, July 24, and July 25, and are part of a free summer theater series for the public; donations are welcome.   As seating is limited, it is suggested reservations be made at downtownreptheater at gmail.com.  Parking is in municipal lots or on the street.  It is suggested attendees bring a coat in the event the evenings are chilly.

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