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Romeo & Juliet
Short Shakespeare
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Amanda Dehnert
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier
Chicago, IL
Call 312-595-5600, tickets $16 students (18 and younger) $20 adults
Public performances: Saturdays at 11 am March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 5
Running time is 75 minutes without intermission with a 15 minute talkback
Through April 5, 2008
Energetic cast propels early Shakespeare tragedy
Short Shakespeare! Romeo & Juliet is back as part of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s program designed to bring youngsters 10 and older into the world of classic theater. The abridged 75 minute Romeo & Juliet is an excellent choice since it is a romantic, yet action-packed, tragedy of two star-crossed teen lovers. Legendary director Amanda Dehnert brings her original music and her vividly manic take on R & J to offer a fine first  look at Shakespeare for young people.
The Montague and the Capulets have been bitter enemies for generations in Verona. Those two proud families finally end their feud under penalty of death. Romeo (Stephen Louis Grush), a Montague and his friends drop into a Capulet party in disguise. Romeo instantly falls madly in love with the beautiful Juliet (Lee Stark). The two have a late night whirlwind romance that features some of Shakespeare’s most memorable speeches. Grush and Stark shine as blushing young lovers as each kindle the sparks necessary for us to cheer for their pure and innocent love.
Filled with funny moments, wild sword fights, Dehnert’s Romeo & Juliet captures the essence and spirit of The Bard’s story without many of the wordy passages. This works nicely as a premier for students to be emerged into Shakespeare’s language. Teens will relate to the romance that finds Romeo and Juliet choosing to follow their passions despite the clan hatred that seem so arbitrary. I can’t think of a finer show to introduce theatre to teens.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2008
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