BWW Reviews: Denver Center Theatre Company Creates a Classic Masterpiece with ROMEO & JULIET

I have seen this classic several times in my life, but some strange and amazing things happened during this production. Rather than the dramatic and heavy show that I had experienced before, this production suddenly became Romeo and Juliet that tragicomedy. The audience actually found the humor in this show and were laughing (seriously....there was a lot of laughter) and they absolutely loved it. It left me stunned and I saw Shakespeare's words in a whole new light. I never realized all the humor and sexual subtext that this tragic show actually contained. Ultimately this comedic turn made me fall in love with these characters more that I ever had and it truly broke my heart when this innocent love met its untimely end. For the first time ever, I actually cried when Romeo and Juliet chose their fate. Sometimes we forget that this is a show about teenage angst and naive first love. I can see why Spring Awakening got its inspiration from this classic. I must also mention the balcony scene that flowed with great ease and was the best interpretation of this scene that I had ever witnessed. Romeo and Juliet's understanding of these words made this scene funny and realistic. Honestly I can say that for the first time thanks to this fantastic production, I truly understood the words behind this surprising tragicomedy.

Directed by Scott Wentworth deserves high praises for his interpretation of this beloved classic. I loved that he didn't go over the top with big sets, but rather kept things simple so the audience was not distracted and actually listened to the words. I think that this was the reason that the audience found the humor in this tragedy; one of the things that I had never experienced before. I also adore his staging and that every member on that stage from the leads to the ensemble were carefully thought out. The mirror images that occurred in several scenes was a visual treat for the entire audience. Each scene seemed to paint an ethereal picture that was absolutely gorgeous. The costumes by designer Christina Poddubiuk were the other visual highlight and great achievement. I loved those fabulous tapestries that flowed from the ladies and the traditional costumes were just wonderful. Michael Ganio brought us a winner with his bare bones set, that was so Gregorian and yet effective in style and elegance. The lighting was perfect and thoroughly thought out to enhance every scene. Sound was also superb by Craig Breitenbach and I truly appreciated the Musical Composition by Rodolfo Ortega. The fight direction by Geoffrey Kent added some great action to this excellent show and the sword play was just fun to watch. I also have to commend Robert Davidson on elegant and lovely choreography and Voice and Text Coaching by Kathryn G. Maes Ph.D was spot on. It was apparent that each member of this fantastic production truly understood and were comfortable with this great verse. It it always great to see talented actors handle this formal dialogue with great ease and make it conversational speech, which drew the audience in and made the entire show run so smoothly.

While this show featured some of the great veteran talents of the Denver Center Company, this show truly belonged to Romeo and Juliet. Lenne Klingaman, was quite impressive in her Denver Center debut and gave a youthful, and dynamic innocence to Juliet. It was wonderful to see her rite of passage from a child into womanhood and she was one of my favorite Juliet's I have ever had the pleasure of seeing onstage. Charles Pasternak was just magnetic as the lovelorn angst ridden Romeo and brought an air of sexiness to Shakespeare. I adored his interpretation of this diverse and tortured role and brought such depth to this character. John G. Preston as Capulet and Mike Hartman as Montague commanded the stage and brought such power to these roles. Kathleen McCall was wonderful as Lady Capulet and you could see her inner anguish between maternal instincts and obeying her domineering husband. Philip Pleasants let everyone know that he was in charge as Prince Escalus and was compelling. Sam Gregory gave a well rounded and compassionate performance as Friar Laurence and was absolutely wonderful. Jeanne Paulsen stole the show and the audience's hearts as the emotional and adorable Nurse to Juliet. Mercutio (aptly played by J. Todd Adams) was quite charismatic and drew the audience in with his expressive and humorous monologues. Matt Zambrano truly has found his niche as a sarcastic servant and was a crowd favorite as Peter. I loved that he was engaged and active throughout the entire show and really built up this smaller role to a memorable one. I must also mention the terrific and subtle performances of the citizens (Ellen Kaye, Jamie Ann Romero, Adrian Egolf, and Taylor Fisher) who were perfectly choreographed and had an ethereal and graceful movement to them.

The actors comfortable interpretation of this verse, along with fantastic staging and great sword play made this show truly exceptional evening of theater. William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is engaging audiences on the Denver Center's Stage Theatre now until February 24th. For tickets or more information, contact the Denver Center box office by calling 303.893.4100 or visiting www.denvercenter.org.