The romance at the heart of Orlando Shakes’ production of Romeo and Juliet does not originate from the story of doomed lovers seen on stage.
No, this is the real-life love life of Jim Helsinger and Suzanne O’Donnell, who perform together for the first time on the biggest stage at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center in this production.
Both frequently appear on the Orlando Sentinel’s annual Best Theater Awards list, receiving critical acclaim for their performance of “Romeo and Juliet.”
Helsinger plays the complex and caring Friar Laurence, and O’Donnell brings a beautiful warmth to the role of Juliet’s nurse, along with much needed humor. It’s no surprise that “Romeo and Juliet” is a play in which they appear on stage together. Because their love blossomed from Shakespeare.
O’Donnell and Helsinger first worked together more than 30 years ago when the Orlando Shakespeare Theater opened a seasonal production at the amphitheater at downtown’s Lake Eola Park, playing young lovers Rosalind and Orlando in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of As You Like It.
Their next performance together the following year did not end so happily. Helsinger starred as the melancholy Danish prince in Hamlet, and O’Donnell once again played his doomed lover, Ophelia.
But off stage, the partnership was on a much happier path: marriage and two children. Perhaps they thought “Orlando” was a good name for a boy born here, so their son was named James. However, their daughter has the nickname Shakespeare. She was named Rosalind, in honor of where her parents met.
In 1995, Helsinger became artistic director of what is now called Orlando Shakes. O’Donnell has worked in theater many times throughout his career, often collaborating with other directors, including starring in Anne Herring’s 2021 film Every Brilliant Thing. However, the acclaimed actor occasionally appears in productions directed by her husband, such as 2007’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Jim Helsinger expresses gratitude for 30 years as artistic director of Orlando Shakes
But sharing the stage is something special and magical.
“Shakespeare has always been a constant in my life, professionally, personally, and at this particular moment,” O’Donnell says. “After so many years and so many shared experiences, returning to the production of Romeo and Juliet with Jim feels grounding and very meaningful.”
Helsinger sees parallels between what creates great theater and what creates great relationships: love, hope, and connection.
“When I stand next to Suzanne and play Friar Laurence in this film, I am reminded of why this story has endured for so long,” he says. “This is about love, hope, and the belief that connection can change the world.”
O’Donnell no longer plays Shakespeare’s young lovers, content to move up a generation.
“Nursing is a role filled with love, humor and heart, and I feel like stepping into the role of a nurse at this point in my life is a beautiful reflection of where we are right now,” she says.
So, I would like to introduce you to a love story that never ends in double death. Congratulations Jim and Suzanne. And thank you for providing entertainment to Central Florida for decades.
“Sharing the stage with Suzanne again is a deep full-circle moment for both of us,” says Helsinger. “Shakespeare brought us together more than 30 years ago, and he continues to shape our lives and our work.”
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. See more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly entertainment newsletter delivered to your email.
“Romeo and Juliet”
Length: 2:30 (including intermission) Where: Margeson Theater at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando When: Through February 8 Price: From $38 Info: orlandoshakes.org
