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Romeo and Juliet by Poor Players Theatre The classic love story of all time received a retelling that felt fresh and original, with the talented group at Poor Players Theatre reaching deep into these characters and the story to find both great humor and great tragedy. The freshness begins with the star-crossed lovers themselves. Though haunted by visions of the tragedy to come, they are on far too much of an excitedly blissful and lustful high to worry about such trivialities. The love they feel makes all other considerations pale in comparison. Brandon Walker is an impassioned Romeo, unable to temper his emotions, resolved with single-minded fixation to find love or despair in not finding it. In her first Shakespeare production, Rachael Van Wormer is an effervescent Juliet brimming with hope – nay, expectation that this first love swoon will be the one. Her charm, personality, and realistic performance is refreshing and adds so much to the couple’s amazing “balcony scene,” the two wooers having an infectious and natural chemistry as they both fall giddily in love. The passion only heightens as the hours pass, their marriage vows taken in heated urgency, their anguish at the cruel fate that tears them apart, and their final, fatal act that the world seems so determined to deliver. Some exceptionally strong supporting performances help ensure an engrossing production throughout. Richard Baird is sensational as the good-intentioned Friar Laurence, generating hilarious comedy (a wizard with herbs, he knows how to make a powerful pipe!), a tower of commanding strength when Romeo needs it the most, and a deep, soulful love and respect for the preciousness of life. Grace Delaney is a hoot as Juliet’s completely unpretentious, highly talkative Nurse, as it Max Macke as the clownish Mercutio whose cynicism regarding love and life is funny until somebody gets killed. Tom Haine is Juliet’s father Capulet – a peaceful man until anyone in his family dares to contradict him. Julie Clemmons is Juliet’s pragmatic and unaffectionate mother living a life that clearly brings her no joy. The evening opens with some mesmerizing Italian opera sung by Maile Stephenson. Richard Baird of friar fame doubles as the show’s director (and Poor Players founder). He directs a barebones but insightful and keenly creative show. In a small but cool effect, the friar’s poison fizzes up and down in the vial. There are well-considered touches of modernity (such as the use of both swords and a dramatic use of a gun, and the arrogant Capulet is a member of an exclusive country club). They also make excellent use of the small space at Adams Avenue Studio, including ingenious use of the out-of-place backdoor and the two poles between the stage and audience that are usually just hindrances, making these things seem like they were purposely put there by the set designer. And then there are some masterful touches such as the scene of Juliet’s contemplation prior to drinking the friar’s potion. The lights go out as Juliet debates whether to drink that which may end her life, the utter darkness of her bedroom adding a new and raw dimension to her poignant fear and loneliness.Performed through January 31, 2005. Rob Hopper ~ Cast ~
Romeo: Brandon WalkerJuliet: Rachael Van Wormer Friar Laurence: Richard Baird Mercutio/Apothecary: Max Macke Capulet: Tom Haine Lady Capulet: Julie Clemmons Nurse: Grace Delaney Benvolio/Watch: Keath Hall Paris/Gregory: Jesse Keller Prince Escalus: John Tessmer Tybalt/Friar John: John Aviles Sampson/Paris Page: Matthew Bohrer Peter/Ensemble: Josh Gren Montague/Ensemble: Michael Dean Grilli Lady Montague/Balthazar: Tara Donovan Montague Woman: Maile Stephenson Director: Richard Baird Stage Manager: Amy Blatt Dramaturge: Nick Kennedy Light Design: Bob Korbett |
