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Romeo and Juliet
A ballet in three acts after Shakespeare
By the Joffrey Ballet
Choreographed by John Cranko
Music by Sergei Prokofiev
At the Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress
Chicago, IL
Call 312-902-1500, tickets $15 - $125
Friday, February 17 & 24 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 18 & 25 at 2 & 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 19 & 26 at 2 PM
Running time is 2 hrs, 45 min with 2 intermissions
Through February 26, 2006
The Joffrey’s Romeo and Juliet a captivating delight
I must admit that I have only attended 3 or 4 ballets and I have limited knowledge of the art form and I have only recently discovered the amazing spectacle of the Joffrey Ballet. I would have never thought that a story could spring to life so graciously, look and sound so wonderful with precision movement as does the Joffrey’s magnificent ballet, Romeo and Juliet! I was drawn from the start and held throughout by the colorful spectacle that unfolds with splendid dance and marvelously choreographed movement that deftly tells the love story of the two teen lover. John Cranko’s intricate choreography contained varied dance styles smoothly performed by the large ensemble with breathtaking duets and soaring soles making the story was easy to follow.
Maia Wilkins’ Juliet and Willy Shives’ Romeo quickly win our hearts as they exude warmth as the madly in love teens. We witness finely crafted dances that combines Romeo’s macho exuberance with Juliet’s gentleness in scenes that exude romanticism and sexuality.
The large cast featured terrific, energetic ensemble scenes that marvelously put movement to Sergei Prokofiev’s score. With colorful, period-perfect sets and vivid costumes by Jurgen Rose with stellar lighting by Kevin Dreyer, Romeo and Juliet presents a gorgeous feast for the senses. The powerful, rich sound from conductor Leslie B. Dunner’s 68 piece Chicagosinfonietta orchestra underscored the precious dances from the Joffrey’s talented troupe. From the regal masked ball to the thrilling sword play to the sensual romantic courtship of the young lovers, this pageantry swiftly engages us into the world of Shakespeare’s feuding Capulets and Montague families. The poignant tragic ending scenes were emotionally wrenching.
 
I was impressed with the skill and polish of the Joffrey’s world-class dancers as they effortless landed their movements with panache. I’m embracing the world of ballet because it presents such a beautiful method of storytelling. The combination of music, dance and movement to tell a story is enchanting. I’m now a believer in ballet. Thank you, Joffrey Ballet.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago Radio show
February 15, 2006
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