Julian Cihi as Romeo and
Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet.(Photo credit: Joan Marcus)
As if one revisionist production of “Romeo and Juliet” wasn’t
enough, we get the dubious pleasure of two, which of course invites
comparisons. Given that the Broadway version, under the direction of David
Leveaux is sprinkled with a little star dust with film actor Orlando Bloom as
Romeo and produced on a budget that allows for some awesome scenery and
lighting, the CSC production, under the
direction of Tea Alagic, is minimalist
in virtually every respect.
Regrettably, the youthful and attractive Julian Cihi and
Elizabeth Olsen in the titular roles are awkwardly sincere as are many young
students in acting Shakespeare. But they are also essentially unimpressive as
the ill-fated lovers. But they are only a part of a problematic ill-conceived production
that invites the normally fine actor as Daphne Rubin-Vega to jazz up the role
of the Nurse with a heavy Spanish accent (mostly unintelligible). She parades
and postures in a sassy get-up and platform shoes as in a farce or parody.
Although Kathryn Meisle as Lady Capulet is more flashily
dressed (everyone else in the company favors basic black) and infers she may
have a part-time job selling cosmetics (or something else) in a department
store, she at least offers a provocative interpretation of Juliet’s mother. Her
broadly insinuating performance suggests she is having more sex in Verona
than those two teens in heat.
In contrast to Daniel Davis, who carries high-minded
affectation to excess as Friar Lawrence, T.R. Knight over-plays Mercutio as if
he were simply high on speed. Director Alagic has the lovers perform the famous
balcony scene on the floor, an idea that has some merit considering that there
is no indication in this staging of time, place, purpose or mission.
“Romeo and Juliet”
Classic Stage Company, 136 E. 13th
Street
For tickets ($60.00) call (212) 352-3101
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