Playwright: William Shakespeare
Director: Glenn Elston
Cast: Nadine Garner, Jack Finsterer, Evelyn Krape, Marco Chiappi, Rhys Muldoon, John K Davies, Glenn Hogstrom, Phil Sumner, Geoff Paine, Nicky Paul, Michael Fry, Simon Hughes, Mary-Louise Walker, Mathew Green, Rebecca Macauley, Shawn Unsworth, Nicholas Lyon and Gerry Hale
Venue: Observatory, Botanic Gardens
Synopsis: Two lovers are doomed by inter-family hatreds
Rating: 4 stars ****
This is a gloriously upbeat production of Shakespeare's classic tragedy which will delight newcomers to Shakespeare as much as it will satisfy seasoned veterans.
The plot is, of course, well known. Two young lovers defy the long-standing animosity between their respective families and marry - with tragic consequences.
This production is performed at the Botanic Gardens. The outdoor atmosphere wonderfully buoys the mostly slapstick approach which prevails until the final scene's tragedy.
There are three performance areas - the first is a warm-up, perfect for a picnic. The second area is near the observatory building. Enormous and beautiful projections appear on the building's white walls.
The lighting effects, particularly the soft crimson for Juliet's balcony scene, are spectacular. Even the observatory dome is called into action.
The final scene, a significant mood change, is performed on a separate stage in yet another area.
The great strength of this production is the many supporting vignettes. Rhys Muldoon as the boisterous Mercutio is particularly outstanding, but as the aggressive and athletic Tybalt, Glenn Hogstrom is also excellent.
All the swordplay is breathtaking. It is clear the cast have spent a great deal of time perfecting their fast-paced encounters, replete with acrobatics and gags.
Phil Sumner is a strong Friar, Marco Chiappi a spirited head of the Capulet household and Nicky Paul is moving as Lady Capulet.
Veterans of many of director Glenn Elston's outdoor shows, such as Simon Hughes, and a host of actors such as Mathew Green and musician Gerry Hale, wring every drop of comic exuberance from their parts.
The principal roles have some difficulty coping with the vocal and dramatic demands of outdoor performance - but both Nadine Garner (as Juliet) and Jack Finsterer (as Romeo) achieve some fine dramatic and romantic moments.
In short, this is a boisterous show, both resourceful in its staging and bursting with strong performances. It is warmly recommended.
