Church. Friar Laurence, Romeo, and Juliet. Friar encounters the couple's excitement and passion, but delivers cautionary advice on moving more slowly (as he lets them rush along, no?). They then marry offstage.

Juliet's garden. Juliet and Nurse. An impatient, passionate Juliet wants to know what the Nurse knows from Romeo in the previous scene. Are his promises real? Parents know nothing.

Meet Friar Laurence, Romeo's mentor. Romeo shares his love for a Capulet. Will the Friar marry them? Plus, the friar shares the KEY TO THE WHOLE PLAY: "medicine and poison" within the human heart.

In Juliet's garden on the same party night, our lovers stay up talking, promising their strong feelings, and planning a sudden future. Watch their traits surface.

Here's the Act 2 Prologue Overview, linked to the first scene of Act 2: Romeo ditching his friends and jumping into Juliet's garden from the street outside.

Capulet house party. Tybalt promises trouble. Romeo meets Juliet with lots of poetry, passion, and a kiss or two. Love at first sight! Plus, premonitions, dramatic irony, and Juliet's lie to the Nurse.

Romeo, Mercutio, Benvolio and friends cavort their way to the costume party at the Capulets. Mercutio delivers his famous Queen Mab soliloquy. Then Romeo shares a premonition about the future.

Capulet house. Juliet, Nurse, and Lady Cap discuss the party ahead -- with lots of inappropriate funny remarks from the Nurse. Mom (and dad) Capulet hope Juliet will accept Paris' interest in marrying Juliet.

Verona street. Romeo and Benvolio learn of a (Capulet) costume party they could attend. Rosaline will be there!