Anyone walking by the Natchez Little Theatre Thursday will be able to hear music and the sound of dancing as the theater’s latest production debuts.

The performance isn’t a musical though. It’s Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

Director Layne Taylor said he took inspiration for NLT’s production from Franco Zeffirelli, for whom Taylor once acted. Zeffirelli was the director of the 1968 theatrical film version of “Romeo and Juliet,” which was nominated for an Academy Award.

“He cut it to two hours, so, using his inspiration, I’ve done the same,” Taylor said.

The shorter runtime, Taylor said, will not interfere with the story though.

“Nothing has been cut that damages the story or the beauty of Shakespeare’s lines,” Taylor said.

The run time wasn’t the only thing that inspired Taylor, as the play’s musical interlude shows.

The song cast member Taylor Spring performs, “What is a youth?” came from Zeffirelli’s film version.

“Layne came to me and said he wanted me to play a song at the beginning of the show,” Spring said.

Spring is a veteran NLT performer, but it’s the first time she will play her mandolin in front of a crowd.

“I’m glad to finally have a crowd to perform in front of,” Spring said.

The play marks a first time for other members of the cast as well.

Katie Borum, the 15-year-old daughter of Chuck and Chris Borum, acted as choreographer for the masque scene in addition to her role as Juliet.

It’s the first time Borum has played a leading role in a production, although she’s been with the theater since she was 8.

And, while Borum plays the innocent Juliet, Borum said she also enjoys getting angry at Lord and Lady Capulet as they try to force her to marry Paris.

“I’ve just never had any parts where I’ve had to do that kind of emotion,” Borum said.

It’s not her only first though.

“I’d never done choreography before,” Borum said.

Borum said she too was inspired by the 1968 film version of the play. With a little help from Taylor, Borum was able to lead the cast’s dancing.

As the cast whirled and twirled around each other in rehearsal, with the bells tied to their wrists chiming, things were running smoothly.

And, on hand to sweep Borum away from it all was Dwight Williams, who plays Romeo.

Like Borum, Williams has grown up as part of the Little Theatre, moving from a silent role in the Summer Youth Workshop’s 2005 performance of “Bugsy Malone” to playing one of the Bard’s most famous characters.

“It’s an iconic role, and it’s a lot of pressure,” Williams said.

Romeo goes through a lot of emotions in the play, Williams said.

“To be able to try and bring those out on stage, it’s a fun process,” Williams said.

And those emotions are clearly shown on his face as he pulls Borum away from the dance at the masque to speak to her, the sound of bells still ringing in the air.

“Romeo and Juliet” opens at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, with additional performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The show will close with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

Tickets are $15. For reservations, call 601-442-2233 or visit the theater’s website, natcheztheatre.org.