Holy Shakespeare!
The stunning annual production done by Shakespeare on the Sound is on its way much faster than anticipated by local Greenwich and Rowayton Shakespeare addicts like myself. Yes; I am a teenager who loves Shakespeare, quite rare I know. But with an amazing theatre company like this putting such a wonderfully refreshing twist on one of my personal favorites, “Romeo and Juliet”, it’s pretty hard to see why anyone wouldn’t.
The shows begin in Greenwich on June 26 until July 8 and in Rowayton from July 18 up until July 29, and they will ALL be packed. Since 2009, current Artistic Director Joanna Settle and the rest of the Shakespeare on the Sound team has been reminding us why people fell in love with not only the classic Shakespeare plays but also the enjoyment of live theatre itself.
With such an awesome cast consisting of William Jackson Harper as the classic Lover-Boy “Romeo” and Ali Ahn as the "fair Juliet" … this is going to be good. And as if people need any sort of convincing to see this newly imagined version of the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers: it’s also completely free.
This show is, in my personal opinion, so much better than other productions of Romeo and Juliet because for one, it is not drab. This particular rendition is a beautiful collaboration between Artistic Director Joanna Settle, and composers Heidi Rodewald and Stew. Their successful idea of having the opening scene take place at an annual dinner party amongst a group of old friends helps to make it feel far more realistic than just jumping into the sometimes confusing (yet enjoyed) old Shakespearean lingo.
Another reason that I so look forward to watching this performance is because it is extremely powerful. The actor’s emotions are portrayed in such a way that you forget that you aren’t in fact, the one losing your Juliet. The manner in which the cast interprets Settle’s direction makes the audience feel as if they are present in the play.
And here’s a couple tips: 1) be prepared to “get down” to the surprisingly funky tunes of Romeo & Juliet and 2) be sure to pack some extra tissues for the highly possible chance of tears from these heart-wrenching performances.
I honestly couldn’t think of a more ideal way to spend a summer afternoon than bringing a blanket, perhaps some snacks, and of course; some friends down to Roger Sherwin Baldwin Park in Greenwich or Pinkney Park in Rowayton to watch an extremely entertaining cast in a great show.
Teenagers welcomed.
