Paolo Santalucia (photo credit: Daniel DiMarco)
Where we set our scene...
...and a Romeo to dream about
by Cassie Muise
Everyone knows the story of star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. Whether you’ve seen it with Leo DiCaprio and Clare Danes, or The Lion King 2, the story of star-crossed lovers kept apart by a family feud is still as accessible as it is relevant today. There are many things to enjoy about this slick, well-polished production of what is arguably Shakespeare’s best-known play.
As always, I am impressed with Hart House’s sophisticated, seamless execution. The lighting, set, and music are well used without being distracting. What is distracting, however, is the fact that it is set in modern day, hip-hop, gangster-overrun Verona. Although there were some gimmicks I appreciated about this – the boys using sunglasses instead of masks for the party, and the party itself a club with pulsing beats and crazy lights – I usually find modernized versions of R&J unnecessary, and this was no exception. In fact, by the second act almost all of the modernized elements had vanished, except the clothing. I wonder if this was an attempt to engage younger audiences. Although the cast brought this world to life with vim and vigour, I think that the approach they went for here is best left to West Side Story. They did it better.
It is difficult, at this point, not to gush about the actors. While fairly strong overall, there are a few actors who stand out. Actually, I was most excited to see young performers owning classic roles. Joshua Browne is delightful and entertaining as Mercutio, in the way that Mercutio ought to be. Mark Paci is powerful as the Prince, a role which is often unappreciated, but essential to the success of the story. Time and time again it is he who is the catalyst for what transpires. Having seen Paci in Workhouse Theatre’s Wet several years ago, I was especially pleased with his success at this role; a strong, fair, caring, and well-intentioned leader.
If Lesley Robertson continues this trend, she will be one of the best Shakespearian actresses this city has to offer. She is lovely, hilarious, and warm as the Nurse, although she is far too young and pretty for the role - I would have loved to see her as Juliet! That being said, she has a great command of the language, bringing out the comedy and tragedy that is sometimes missed with less experienced actors. I enjoyed her performance even more than I liked her in Two Gents this summer.
All this pales in comparison to Paolo Santalucia as Romeo. Romeo, oh, Romeo! His voice is like honey, his words come with ease, and if you can just imagine yourself as the Juliet he is talking to, you will consider your ticket money well spent. I have seen many productions of Romeo and Juliet, and enjoyed them, but he is by far my favourite Romeo, ever. I want to make a Ryan Gosling meme: Hey Girl, You know I don’t like it when you swoon over other guys, unless it’s Paolo Santalucia as Romeo. By any other name, he wouldn’t be as sweet. Perfection.
All in all, if you enjoy modern versions of the classic, or are looking to see some exciting young performers, this is a great option. I suggest you be prepared for a long night though; clocking in at around three hours, I wished I’d stretched at intermission.
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