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Romeo and Juliet by San Diego Junior Theatre  It’s the quintessential love story of the ages – The Bard’s
tragic tale about a pair of star-crossed lovers who try to ignore family
hatreds that seem determined to keep them apart, and who perish in their vain attempt. And
San Diego Junior Theatre is currently putting on a remarkably polished and
touching performance of this classic tale complete with its gorgeous and versatile
set (Tony Cucuzzella), splendid costumes (Margaret Hagar), and
impressive performances by a young and talented cast who, under the brilliant
direction of Francine Chemnick, not only rose up to the challenge of
Shakespeare – but excelled at it.
The excelling was led by the two leads, Ryan Wagner and Julia Giolzetti, who not only caught all of the hopefulness and excitement of young love, but did so while injecting their unique personalities into the romance making it seem all the more genuine. Their famous balcony scene was perfection. Near the end, Julia uses remarkable subtlety of voice, body language, and eyes to create a gripping sense of doom when she feels trapped by her parents and betrayed by her Nurse, realizing that she would sooner die than allow herself to be married to anyone but her Romeo. Fine performances abounded including Bix Bettwy who brings compelling energy, humor, and drama to the vital role of Mercutio – Romeo’s best friend and local clown who ends up in a fateful and fatal duel with Juliet’s angry and belligerent cousin Tybalt played by always strong Matthew Bohrer. Their swordfight and the revenge match between Tybalt and Romeo are superbly choreographed and performed. Ferril Gardner offers an often humorous performance as the Nurse, the closest confidant of Juliet. Other good portrayals were given by Ashley Fox as the tragic Friar Laurence, Gordon McLachlan as Romeo’s good-natured cousin Benvolio, Brian Polk as Juliet’s fun and sometimes brutal father Lord Capulet, and Darcy Porter as the coldly mechanical Lady Capulet whose coldness doesn’t thaw until it is too late. 
Director Francine Chemnick challenged her
excellent cast, keeping to the original language and rejecting the more
abridged versions of the play that are usually performed. There were scenes and lines here
that I’ve never seen or heard. Together the director and her actors and crew
put on a flawless production, assuring that Shakespeare is alive and well for
the latest generation to appreciate – from its uplifting romance to its
timeless tragedy.
Performs through January 18, 2004. |