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My overall impression
I saw the original production on MIY’s gender-swapped take on the Bard’s classic (if over done) tragedy. There were strong moments and performances in that version, but it was definitely in the workshop stages as an overall production.
After going contemporary with The Bachelorette, I was glad to see the company return to this piece. The decision paid off immensely. Abby Craden’s new, modern direction and the production’s simplified and quicker scene changes matched the intense pace used by the actors to adhere to The Fringe’s time constraints. While the pace was a little too hectic at times, it was completely necessary given the venue, and very well executed by a skillful ensemble. There were performance highlights cast-wide. Alan Blumenfeld’s Nurse was bawdy, lovable, and kind-hearted (the role seems tailor-made for him). Katherine James pulled off two strong and distinctive performances as both Lady Capulet and Sister Laurence, and Taylor Jackson-Ross gave a remarkable rendition of Mercutia, despite some cuts to her character. The centerpiece of any Romeo and Juliet production, though, lies in the relationship between the titular characters. Dane Oliver and Mary Ellen Schneider really delivered here. I usually hate Romeo. He’s whiny, annoying, and woefully immature. Schneider’s Romea, though, is none of those. She’s strong-willed and emotionally impulsive, retaining a likability in her passionate nature which is I imagine is equally present in the actress herself. Julian is a solid foil, an awkward, shy, school-boyish type with seemingly little control over his destiny due to his overbearing mother. Their romance is believable, and resulted in some of the best moments of the play. Both actors found comedy in The Balcony scene, which is usually played mushy and romantic. This was honest: awkward in places and hilarious in others, with overtones of pure jubilation. Excellent treatment of a classic scene: perhaps the best rendition I’ve watched. Ignore the bias against the concept of gender-swapping. Good is good. This play is well acted and well done, and more importantly, a fresh take on an ages-old story. Definitely worth a watch.