Romeo and Juliet Previews — Page 6

I saw the show last night and can't decide my feelings. I don't think it was as bad as I expected it to be, but they have work to do if they want a hit.

Orlando is decent as Romeo. He may not look the age he should be, but he is young enough to look in his 20s. I didn't find his monologues to be too weak. The motorcycle entrance was awkward and brought the scene to a stop. And yes, there was a moment when he walked out shirtless, so we had that for a good 10 seconds. The audience appreciated it.

I didn't find Condola too convincing as Juliet. She definitely was the quiet, but I found her volume improved as the show progressed. I had some trouble with her diction, which being in row T of the orchestra is needed. I usually sat a lot closer for In the Heights (practically lived there during the run), so that was new, but great sight lines.

I think the strongest acting-wise were Jayne Houdyshell and Chuck Cooper. Justin Guarini is underused, which obviously isn't this production's fault (except for the missing death scene which I don't remember).

The set and props were interesting. I like the idea of the fire being used, but I don't think it was executed correctly, especially at the end of Act One. Why are we watching them get up and walk off after the wedding? It felt like a technical goof. I didn't understand the purpose of the bell, which only seemed right when it acted as a counterweight to the bed after Juliet's death. Outside of that, I didn't get it and its constant vertical movements. The balloons were interesting, but I think they still need to work out how to move them. They always seemed to get in the way.

The lighting wasn't very memorable, outside of feeling sloppy. There were a lot of shadows created where you wouldn't want to see them. In a play with a simple set, lighting is essential. It was most effective during the final scene, but outside of that, not the best design. (Being previews and how close we were to the light board, we had who we think was the designer sitting behind us, and he didn't seem completely pleased.)

So yea, overall mixed feelings. It has potential, I'll say that. I only hope it improves and has a good reception.

---

What is the running time for this one?

Oh good. I was worrying this one would be 4+ hours with 3 intermissions.

...and that's that.

I saw it on Friday and I don't think anything has changed based on reading earlier descriptions in this thread. It still has the same problems others have mentioned.

I bought educator tickets and they were in the second row of the orchestra on the side (far house right). Not much was obstructed; for $20 it's a great deal.

Well, at least one critic likes the production choices.



http://thegrio.com/2013/09/18/condola-rashad-and-orlando-bloom-shine-in-biracial-romeo-and-juliet/#.Ujmm25jBy5I.twitter

Updated On: 9/18/13 at 10:53 AM

I just got in from seeing this production this afternoon and I was unimpressed. The actors and the text are completely upstaged by the direction, which hits every note from overdone to lazy, and everything in between. I wish Leveaux would learn to have a bit of restraint when it comes to directing, because I generally find that his productions are directed with a steady hand, but they tend to be wildly uneven, as he never really lets the text or actors breathe. When he does, as in the first balcony scene, I caught a spark of what this production could have been. Frankly, in his hands this production didn't have much of an impact, as Romeo and Juliet make out so many times and so vigorously that you almost believe them to be two horny teens and nothing more.

That said, the performances are mostly so-so. Orlando Bloom is working his ass off and is clearly giving his all. His is a fine Broadway debut and I look forward to seeing him onstage again soon. Condola Rashad is one of my favorite young stage actresses, but unfortunately her Juliet is all over the map. Her diction is not as bad as some have mentioned, but she would nail one scene so well and then would completely flounder in the next. I was most letdown by her performance, as she was the thing I was most excited to see in this production. The supporting performances range from hammy (Chuck Cooper, Justin Guarini, and Christian Camargo, I'm looking at you) to reliably strong (Jayne Houdyshell and Roslyn Ruff).

The design elements are all fine, but again seem at odds. They are at once stark and exclamatory; we get minimal sets, but we also get fire, sand, a dove, balloons, and a swinging bell.

I'm looking forward to seeing CSC's mounting (hopefully soon) so I can see what they do with the piece, but unfortunately I wasn't crazy about this one.

Side-note: I bought myself a TDF ticket on a whim last night and was seated Row J in the Orchestra, smack in the center. Great seat.

Updated On: 9/21/13 at 06:14 PM

I get that, but his performance seemed really over the top to me. Nearly to the point of annoyance. And I'm usually a fan of his work.

It was such a terrible spot to place intermission. Maybe cut it after the fight and Romeo's banishment.

Brief thoughts:
Houdyshell and Ruff were standouts, to me. Enjoyed Benvolio (actor?) and I always hate that he's out of the show so early. Carver and Bloom disappointed - I didn't have any real expectations for Romeo but everything past the balcony scene screamed "acting!" and Carver played the Friar far too frail. I quite enjoyed Rashad, felt very much like a teenager in love. Too bad she and Bloom had no chemistry.

The loud music cuts were jarring, especially when they followed quiet scenes. I didn't understand the sand, but the fire looked beautiful.

All in all, a very underwhelming version of a show I've seen done much better. Happy that I only paid $35 :)