CITY ARTS : Hollyweird Romance

Billed as an urban hip-hop musical, Deirdre Weston’s “Romyo and Julie Mae” is a contemporary take on the Shakespeare classic of star-crossed love that reflects the urban problems of the not-so-fictional city of Hollyweird.

“We’re trying to get a message across here about the absurdities of certain conflicts, and how to deal with them,” said Weston, who wrote and directed the play. “The warring families in the show are the Cappies and the Monties, but the theme is about all people achieving peace, love and harmony.”

The play is performed by the Theatre Rascals, the troupe spawned by Faith Acting Studios, whose 25 members range in age from 10 to 21. Founded by Weston and Felecia Scott, the Crenshaw-based acting studio puts a premium on discipline and hard work.

This production of “Romyo and Julie Mae” features a score by Rob Hanna and choreography by Bruce Nelson. Though it tackles gang violence, troubled family life and other tough problems, the show offers positive alternatives to the destructive pattern of hatred.

“We have a lot of fun with this, and there is something there for the whole family,” said Weston, “But we as young people have something very serious to say.”

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Upside Down Club, 1600 N. Argyle Ave., Hollywood; 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; $15, adults; $7.50 children 12 and younger; (213) 295-4996.