Setting: Renaissance Verona, Italy, where the Montague and Capulet families have been feuding for years over an old grudge.
THE MARKET SQUARE
Romeo, son of Lord Montague, and his friends Mercutio and Benvolio are in the market square of Verona. Rosaline, one of the Capulets’ nieces with whom Romeo is infatuated, walks by. Romeo and his friends try to get her attention and flirt with her. As the square starts to populate, the Montagues and Capulets begin their usual bickering. A fight ensues, led by the Capulet Tybalt and the Montague Mercutio. The Prince of Verona steps in and commands the two families to end their feud.
JULIET’S BEDROOM IN THE CAPULET HOUSE
Juliet, the beautiful daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet, is mischievously playing with her beloved nurse. Lady Capulet enters the chambers and presents Juliet with a beautiful new dress she’ll be wearing at the grand ball that same evening.
ARRIVAL OF THE GUESTS
Tybalt welcomes the guests attending the masked ball. Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio sneak in to allow Romeo to see Rosaline again.
THE BALL
As the guests dance in the grand ballroom, Juliet appears at the festivities. She is introduced to Paris, a young nobleman, who wishes to marry her. Romeo sees Juliet and is immediately spellbound by her. Juliet is mesmerized by Romeo and the two of them fall in love with each other at first sight. Tybalt recognizes Romeo and his friends. After a brief brawl, the three Montague friends flee the Capulet house.
JULIET’S BALCONY
Juliet is on her bedroom balcony, enthralled by her encounter. Romeo appears in her courtyard and asks her to come down. The two of them declare their love for each other.