R & J, Adrienne Theater, Philadelphia PA
R & J, an update of Romeo and Juliet set in an all-boys Catholic school, by Philadelphia’s Mauckingbird Theater Company, shows that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Four men, with some boxes, a book and a length of red fabric, bring Shakespeare’s famous love story to life. In the process, they show how universal is the story, which transcends time, sex, stage and location. Evan Jonigkeit is the student who plays Romeo, by turns wistful, hormonal, and brash. Conrad Ricamora, as the student in the role of Juliet, brings new depth and awareness to what could easily be a “damsel in distress” role. All four actors excel in the numerous roles they take on, infusing even the smaller roles with wit and emotion.
This interpretation is directed by Peter Reynolds from an adaptation by Joe Colarco, and at Philadelphia’s Adrienne theater through 24 August 2008. I highly recommend it; I am thinking and relishing the performance days later. I also highly recommend Fuji Mountain for dinner, and Capogiro Gelato, which has a good selection of local, seasonal flavors and ingredients; I chose black fig and pistachio.
More:
Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, City Paper, Edge Philadelphia, and PhillyMag.