"Is love a tender thing?

It is too rough. Too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn."

One of William Shakespeare's most famous plays, Romeo & Juliet, currently in production at Samuell-Grand Park in East Dallas, has some strong Lake Highlands ties.

Junior Players, a group that provides arts education and programming completely free to children and youth throughout the city, is currently producing its 20th annual Shakespeare show.

Kirsten James, Lake Highlands resident and mother of two, has been the executive director for Junior Players for 17 years.

"Our goal at Junior Players is to introduce children and youth to Shakespeare, while using the production experience to help our cast make the transition from high school to college and the professional theater community," says James.

"Our actors range in age from 15 to 18, and come from over 13 local schools."

The crew this year also includes assistant director Anastasia Munoz, a Lake Highlands High School grad and former Junior Players cast member.

Theater fans will find this summer's production of Romeo & Juliet set in the 1920's, infusing Shakespeare's greatest romance with live jazz music and few exciting fight scenes.

Performances began Tuesday of this week, but there's still time to catch one of the free weekend shows.

According to James this week's rain set the production back a bit, "but the weekend is looking good," she says.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are free of charge and begin at 8:15 p.m.

Park gates open at 7:30 p.m. and people are welcome to bring their own food, beverages and lawn chairs.

Samuell-Grand Park Amphitheater is located at 1500 Tenison Parkway in East Dallas.

For more information on the production or Junior Players, visit the group's website here.

This production is directed by Valerie Hauss-Smith and produced in collaboration with Shakespeare Dallas.