What I liked
For me, this solo show was packed with humor, tenderness, and charm. Day shows off his acting chops, not only with his own writing, but also by reciting those of the great bard. Sigh. Swoon.
Also, there was a flirty swagger in the handing out of roses, going over the three S’s, and showing off the club-appropriate dance moves. All in all, I would imagine some lucky lady would be happy to make Paris her boo.
What I didn't like
I’m curious what a larger venue, more props, and more Shakespearean verse interjected in the piece would do… just riffing out loud.
My overall impression
Just to be clear, in Charlie Day’s solo show, “Paris + Juliet,” the wrong gentleman of Verona ended up with Juliet. And he is here to explain all the reasons why that is the case.
I mean, Paris has everything going for him! Whether it’s his moves like Jagger and sex appeal like Fabio, what lady wouldn’t fall head over heals for him? Especially when he is head over heels for himself? Or is he? One might argue he has lost a bit of himself in pursuit of this young lady he barely knows, and with whom he is utterly infatuated.
Mentally, during the show, I was comparing Day’s mannerisms to what I envisioned a young Peter Ustinov would be like on stage. I do hope he takes that as the high compliment in which it is meant.
