I finally saw this last night and found much to recommend; if you are debating between this production and the Broadway effort, there isn't even a question that this is the one to see.
The strength of the CSC version is in the acting. After loving Elizabeth Olsen in Martha Marcy May Marlene, I was glad to see her shine just as brightly on stage. She's vibrant, funny and moving in the later scenes. She's a natural beauty and ideally cast here.
I love seeing Daniel Davis in any play, and his Friar Lawrence is wonderful. I can totally see these teenagers running to him for comfort and guidance.
Daphne Rubin-Vega is doing Sofia Vergara, but I liked it and laughed a lot. The Spanish enhanced the character rather than distracted. She played nicely with Olsen.
McKinley Belcher III was an AWESOME Benvolio. I've never seen him act before, but I'm definitely a fan. Tons of presence, a natural reading of the text and remarkable ability to turn a minor character into a well-rounded being.
I'm ambivalent about Julian Cihi's Romeo. He has an interesting hipster look that worked for this production. Sometimes his hand movements were distracting.
The physical production sadly was terrible. There was nothing there. Just a wooden floor and some chairs. CSC usually produces better than this. It's a testament to the acting that I enjoyed it so much with nothing to look at all evening.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!