First, the time is “now.” The opening scene is a dramatic red-state versus blue-state confrontation that reminds us these “family feuds” are still with us. The set is… odd? Seemed a little random, and not of any “period” but as the play progressed, it worked very well and did not require “changing” which contributed to the fast pace (no “designer” listed). Costumes by Chelle Peterson were a motley assortment, each making its own statement. Director Kevin O’Callaghan and Stephen Vangel accentuated the reference to modern conflicts with contemporary music (and one of my old faves at the end.)
And the lovers were women/non-binary… not sure the correct label. All actors’ pronouns are listed in the program. Romeo is they/them and Juliet is she/her. Many traditionally male characters were well played by she/her people. The script was not altered so much that the sexuality of the young lovers was the reason for feuding, but it was an interesting modern-day lens to update our perspective on the original story.
Evelyn Malfait’s Juliet was fun in her convincing, adolescent petulance, but that made it harder for me to take her devoted love seriously, (I ALways have that problem with any production of Romeo and Juliet; how can ANYbody fall THAT deeply in love THAT fast?) Rae Ocenasek was strong and devoted as the doomed Romeo.
Paul Molnar was excellent as Father Capulet, as well he should be. He’s LCC Artist-in-Residence and an Equity Actor. He graduated from the LCC theatre program 30 years ago and has had a successful career in professional and educational theatre. He was also fight choreographer, and offered workshops in Stage Combat.
Though this show didn’t cure me of my Shakespeare-o-phobia, the intent of the challenging language was generally clear, the pace was fast and it was a relatively brief two hours. Some parts must have been cut, but don’t ask me what.
Check out this updated classic at 7pm Thur/Fri/Sat/Sun at LCC’s outdoor amphitheater, behind Dart Auditorium. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, and/or food. The sun goes past the hill soon after the show starts so you will be in shade. It’s free of charge, but donations to the LCC Scholarship program are welcome.