Shakespeare coming to Santa Rosa cannery

Starting tonight, the old cannery ruins on the edge of Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square district will be transformed into Verona, Italy, when the new Shakespeare in the Cannery festival opens its first production, “Romeo and Juliet.”

The stage magic of the play, performed against the two brick walls that are still standing, won’t come from elaborate sets and costumes, but from the power of the live performances, said director David Lear.

“I’ve always thought this site would be a great location for an outdoor Shakespeare Festival,” Lear said.

Presented by Lear’s Vacant Lot Productions and the Arlene Francis Center, the show will run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, from July 18 through Aug. 23.

The festival has a two-year lease to use the location on Third Street, with an option to renew, Lear said. The performance site will accessible by foot through the parking lot at the 6th Street Playhouse at 52 W. Sixth St., with parking available at other lots nearby.

“We’ve been rehearsing at the Arlene Francis Center,” Lear said, “and when we moved our rehearsals to the cannery lot, the actors were like little kids on a jungle gym. It’s a multi-level performance space.”

Admission: $5-$25. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com. Information: shakespeareinthecannery.com.