How do you tell a story with which everyone is intimately familiar and keep that story fresh?

The Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC faced this challenge when they decided to produce William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" - the classic tale of two star-crossed lovers from rival Verona families.

Director Raymond Caldwell elected to place the story in the present day and made the Capulets Hispanic, complete with extensive Spanish dialogue. More significantly, he defined the division between the Montague and Capulet clans as facing off across political boundaries. Romeo's mother (Renee Elizabeth Wilson) and Juliet's father (Todd Scofield) are engaged in a bitter election, highlighted by attack ads periodically displayed on stage.

Despite the families' bitter rivalry, Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight. Their forbidden love brings support from some but draws the wrath of relatives, which leads to tragedy.

Cole Taylor and Caro Reyes Rivera are delightful as the title characters. When the play began, each projected the carefree life of a privileged youth. They became pensive as their love grew, and then the audience felt their depression as they lost control of the events of their life. Luz Nicolas, as Juliet's nurse, and Brandon Carter stole the show each time they appeared on stage.

My only complaint is the focus on Juliet's drug use, which diminished her love for Romeo, in my opinion.

Sunday was the closing night of this production, which began in early October. I stuck around for the cast celebration and toast, at which I could congratulate Cole, a close friend of my son.