Shakespeare All-Stars Present ROMEO AND JULIET Review

Romeo and Juliet As Current as Ever

The heart of this production rests in the tale of two star-crossed lovers. Romeo (P. Tyler Nielsen) falls for Juliet (LaKecia Harris) at a masked ball, and all seems promising until he learns of her parentage. Juliet’s family, the Capulets, are bitter enemies of anyone claiming lineage to the Montagues. Despite this conflict, the lovers marry in secret, a decision with tragic repercussions. At a time when politics and divisiveness seem to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, the themes of Romeo and Juliet ring as clearly as ever. Cheesman’s ensemble of eight gamely switch between characters throughout the piece to portray different members of each family, although this reviewer couldn’t help but notice the scope of the feud feeling a bit slighter with a smaller cast.

Shakespeare All-Stars Brings Shakespeare to Life

When it comes to Shakespeare’s language, the actors in Shakespeare All-Stars’ production do wonderfully. As Romeo, Nielsen captures a charm and eagerness which is complemented by the youth and growing assertiveness of Harris’ Juliet. Other standouts include Julian Stroop as Mercutio and Arin Mulvaney as Nurse. Stroop’s “Queen Mab” speech is a particularly strong moment in this production. Adding to Romeo and Juliet’s engaging staging are several well-choreographed sword fights by Emily Shimskey and live music performed by Joe Sergio as the Friar. Each of these elements heightens the stakes and adds emotional color to the piece, filling out the story in the absence of a set. Overall, for families enthusiastic about the Bard and Chicago’s warm weather, Romeo and Juliet is a worthwhile event to attend.

Brent Ervin-Eickhoff is a director, writer, and educator based in Chicago, IL. He has worked with A Red Orchid Theatre, Silk Road Rising, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co., Facility Theatre, and others as a director, assistant director, and in a variety of artistic capacities. Brent served as Co-Artistic Director and then Managing Director of Blue Goose Theatre Ensemble for three years, of which he was a founding member. His productions of Herculaneum and Bison? Bison. Bison! with Blue Goose were praised by critics and audiences. Bison? Bison. Bison! was selected and performed as part of Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks Initiative. An award-winning filmmaker, Brent’s films have screened as part of the Frog Baby Film Festival and Indianapolis 48 Hour Film Project. His play Puget Sound was workshopped as a staged reading as part of A Red Orchid Theatre’s Incubator Program in 2017. Brent graduated from Ball State University Magna Cum Laude with degrees in Directing and Theatre Education, as well as Ball State’s prestigious Academic Honors in Writing.

www.brentasmagoria.com

Read more about him and other Picture this Post writers on the Picture this Post Masthead.

Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Brent Ervin-Eickhoff