Eighth-graders, Pete Saltz and Anabell Stackpoole are in love, but terribly shy. To bring the two together, their classmates decide to stage a performance of Romeo & Juliet, with the reluctant Pete and Anabell voted into the title roles. With two weeks of rehearsal and a classmate's villany threatening the well-meaning endeavor every step of the way, the big day finally arrives. Lines are dropped, costumes rip, scenery tumbles, potions spill, and Juliet's bier nearly blows up. Yet, in spite of everything - or maybe because of it - true love triumphs in the end.