SATER Takes Risk With Condensed 'Romeo and Juliet'

The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, continues to be one of his most popular plays, along with Hamlet.

Most audiences are used to the traditional rendition of the play, complete with Elizabethan costumes and elaborate dramatization about two young lovers whose undying love and devotion for each other ends with their deaths.

Shane Arts Theatrical Ensemble Repertory has taken a different approach in telling the story of Romeo and Juliet, with a clever condensed adaptation by dramaturge David Hundsness and several standout performances, making the classic more accessible to modern audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with Shakespeare or find the genre yawn-boring.

Directed by David Lee Kelting and running through Aug. 22 at the Dallas Hub Theater, absent are scenes and minor characters that don't drive the action forward and the tempo is increased to produce a story that moves with the precision and excitement of a roller-coaster ride.

Starring Travis McClung and Rachael Bower, both silver-screen beautiful, in the title roles of Romeo and Juliet and featuring an 11-member ensemble cast, the majority of the scenes in the play were well-executed, including the opening street fight scene courtesy of excellent choreography by Wm. Paul Williams. Another memorable scene is the Capulet ball, with wonderful and comical choreography by Danielle Georgiou.

David Jeremiah delivers a standout performance in the role of Mercutio. In an over-the-top interpretation of this beloved Shakespeare character, Jeremiah maintains the grandiosity of Mercutio's enigmatic personality and presence, and embodies an energy level that is at once dizzying and thrilling.

Likewise, Virginia Dunlap-Cenentano and Manson Thomas, in the roles of the Nurse and Benvolio respectively, were equally dynamic in their portrayals.

Dunlap-Cenentano delivered a believable and sympathetic performance as Juliet's confidante, employing authentic maternal instincts to the younger woman through caring glances, hugs, and experimental touches such as gently stroking Juliet's hair.

As Romeo's trusted cousin, Thomas exudes just the right amount of youthful charisma and charm in his scenes with Romeo and Mercutio, as well as his character's solemn determination to prevent fighting between the Montague and Capulet families.

Other cast members had memorable moments as well, including Shawn Gann as Romeo's father Montague in his scenes with Romeo, and Tony Hawkins as Capulet, Juliet's father who when he learns of his daughter's resistance to marry Paris, explodes in a furious rage.

McClung and Bower delivered good consistent performances as Romeo and Juliet, particularly in Act Two when the lovers are unknowingly approaching their sudden demise. 

The pair's best scene together is after they consummate their marriage, which perfectly displayed the ideal people have of 'love at first sight' and 'happily ever after.'

The signature scene in which Juliet professes her love for Romeo ("Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou my Romeo?") who is nearby listening to his beloved, surprisingly fell flat. Both of the characters in the play are young, and perhaps you can explain away the awkwardness felt based on teenage discovery of the opposite sex, but the scene just lacked chemistry.

Kelting employs great use of the Hub's theater space and lighting effect to pull the audience into the story and keep them engaged throughout. Dunlap-Cenentano's use of a megaphone in narrating portions of the action as the Prince seemed out of place. Another method to get these lines out should have been considered by the director. Overall, the play works and worth the drive to Deep Ellum to see. 

For more info: Contact the Dallas Hub Theater at 214-749-7010 or visit www.dallashubtheater.org.

Tickets are $25/VIP preferred, $20/general admission, and $12.50 students/seniors/KERA members. The Dallas Hub Theater is located at 2809 Canton St., Dallas, Texas.

Romeo and Juliet features Alaina Appleby, Rachael Bower, Virginia Dunlap-Cenentano, Joel Frapart, Shawn Gann, Tony Hawkins, David Jeremiah, Travis McClung, David Ristuccia, Raj Ramanathan, and Manson Thomas.

Romeo and Juliet is being produced by Tim Shane, directed by David Lee Kelting, with dance choreography by Danielle Georgiou, fight choreography by Wm. Paul Williams, stage management by Jessica Morris, set design by Tim Shane, lighting and sound design by David Lee Kelting, and costuming by Alaina Appleby.

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