Gwendolyn Kocher — Theater Critic

Not only is the visual and auditory presentation exquisite, but the story is heartfelt; it’s one of loss and prejudice, longing and ambition, violence and poverty, brotherhood and belonging. The folk-inspired music taps into a rich emotional vein–utilizing harmonization to its utmost power. All of which is performed by impeccable talent.

How did a show so lauded by critics garner such a lukewarm – even downright cold – response from Playhouse Square audiences? The problem is not with the play or the production, both of which are exquisite, but instead lies with expectations garnered by the performance space.

Make no mistake, “& Juliet” can be downright ridiculous; Shakespeare pedaling a plastic pony rickshaw from Verona to Paris while singing “Show Me Love” is one of the more tame examples. It makes fun of itself, sometimes poking at the repetitiveness or absurdity of its own lyrics. It throws punches at Shakespeare and his young, barely tween protagonists who married and then killed themselves because of a love fostered over three whopping days. Yet, “& Juliet” isn’t trying to grip you by the throat with its plot, it’s trying to dazzle you. And dazzle it does.