My overall impression
I really loved this show.
Having worked on this production, when Mine is Yours first produced it back in November, it is amazing to see how this show has grown. Abby Craden and Sam Szabo have really done a great job of defining the world of the play, and that world is dangerous and tense, and a great starting place for all the drama of the show.
The staging was simple. No trees, no benches, no fancy balcony, just a few trunks, simple lighting, wonderfully designed by Shen Heckel, and beautiful music, used to create and transition amongst, the different settings throughout the play. This simplicity allowed the audience to focus on the real beauty of the production, which was the nuanced performances and deep relationships of all the actors.
This cast is amazing!
CJ Merriman is a fierce Tybalt, who is so clearly a product of the harsh world of the play. She also does an amazing job of turning around and becoming the Apothecary, terrified of the consequences of breaking the law.
Hannah Pell and Taylor Jackson Ross do amazing jobs as Benvolia and Mercutia respectively. Pell’s Benvolia cares about her friends, distracts them with jokes, and helps ground them when they fly off the handle. Ross’s Mercutia is clearly troubled but masks her issues with whimsical humor, which makes her even more lovable, and makes her death even more tragic. Both these women have impeccable comedic timing and moments of deep emotional connection to others.
Katherine James is equally brilliant as the kind Sister Laurence and and abusive Capulet. As Laurence, she is wise and caring, and a much needed balance for a Verona in constant peril. As Capulet, she is terrifying. It is so clear that Capulet is a women who does not take no for an answer, and will be ruthless in the desire to get her way. This perfectly matches Hayley Brown’s terrifying and wonderful interpretation of Paris. Brown shows that Paris is powerful and another women who is unaccustomed to the word no. Between these ladies, trying to own Julian, and clearly making him uncomfortable, it justifies Julian’s relationship with Romea, who in addition to being beautiful, is kind, and probably the first woman in his life to really listen to him.
Alan Blumenfeld is the perfect man to play the Nurse. He is hilarious so many times, but can turn and share a sweet, loving relationship with Julian. It is so obvious that this man cares deeply about the boy and only wants the best for him. The chemistry between him and Julian is beautiful. The scenes they have together are funny and tender, and then heartbreaking as their relationship falls apart.
And, now speaking of chemistry, Mary Ellen Schneider and Dane Oliver, as Romea and Julian, have some of the best onstage chemistry that I have ever seen. Romea and Julian are crazy about each other, far beyond the physical attraction. With each other, they have found they first person who laughs with them, the first person who listens to their fears, and loves them for more than prestige of name or fortune. Individually, these guys are young, sweet, emotional, and thoroughly likable. Together, they make you laugh, and fall in love with them, as they fall in love with each other, and then bring you to tears, as they die. They did truly stunning work.
I could list countless beautiful moments of this production: Romea and Julian’s first kiss, Queen Mab, Sister Laurence giving Romea a wedding dress, the way Julian tried to protect the Nurse after Capulet hits him, and so many more.
But, in conclusion, this show was one of my favorites of the Fringe. Everything about it was insanely impressive. I saw it twice and would gladly see it again.
