The Vero Beach Theatre Guild opens the time-honored story of star-crossed lovers. Here’s another clue. It’s by Shakespeare … it does not end happily. Indeed, it’s a tragedy, “Romeo & Juliet.” The play is set in Verona, where warring families, the Capulets and the Montagues, are fighting. Two teenagers, Romeo and Juliet, fall in love and try to figure out a way to be together. They enlist the help of a Nurse and a Catholic Father. But their plans go awry. Now don’t worry, these “spoilers” are well known. The stuff in the tragedy that compels are the characters, settings and subject matter of love found amidst hatred. Unfortunately, it’s a classic tale because of its universality. Yes, there is blood, death and mature themes so it may not be appropriate for youngsters; indeed, much of it could be hard for them to understand, given the Elizabethan English, much of it in iambic pentameter. “Romeo & Juliet” runs Sept. 6 to Sept. 22 at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave., Vero Beach. Tickets are $15 to $35. For more information, call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
The Indian River Estates Art Guild Exhibition opens Friday, Sept. 6, and runs through Oct. 30 at the Emerson Gallery in Vero Beach. The Indian River Estates retirement community art club brings together residents who explore their artistic talents and learn new skills. This exhibition shines a light on the members’ works, which comprises multiple mediums and subject matters. Dawn Orre, the gallery director at the Emerson Gallery, says, “We are honored to present the extraordinary works of the Indian River Estates residents. This exhibit highlights the power of art to unite, inspire and enrich our community.” You can meet the artists whose work is on view at a reception scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. The Emerson Gallery is at the Emerson Center, which is at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27th Ave. For more information, call 772-778-5880 or visit ArtAtTheEmerson.com.
The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Riverside Park, Vero Beach. The event raises money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders, military heroes and their families. Registration costs $45 for adults, $35 for first responders and military, $25 for those 13 to 17 years of age, and $15 for those 12 and younger. You can participate by signing up at RunSignUp.com and searching for events in Vero Beach. For more information about the foundation, visit T2T.org.
Riverside Theatre’s Comedy Zone features headliner Dean Napolitano and feature act Kate Brindle this weekend. Napolitano is known as a “true storyteller with imaginative delivery.” Brindle has opened for big names, including the late Louie Anderson, Dave Attell, Bill Burr, Kevin Pollak and Sarah Silverman. She’s known for her “sarcastic yet upbeat and spunky style of comedy.” The shows begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, and Saturday, Sept. 7. All seats are $25. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
Riverside Theatre’s “Live in the Loop” free concerts this week features: “Low Ground,” an acoustic all string jam band specializing in Americana, bluegrass, folk, rock, blues and jazz, and covering works by the Grateful Dead, Elvis, Bob Dylan and more, performs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5; “The Joey Tenuto Band,” which jams blues, rock and original songs designed to get you dancing, performs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6; and “The Reckless Shots,” an upbeat blues/rock band covering tunes from Tom Petty, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, John Prine and more, performs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Free admission to all Live in the Loop concerts. Bring your own chair or rent a cabana. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.