Sullivan’s production is fittingly placed outdoors, at the Old Globe’s Davies Festival Theater, in many ways the ideal setting for any play by Shakespeare. The director eschews a fancy set for rough-hewn wooden planks and poles sturdily assembled by the able Ralph Funicello. The effect doesn’t exactly conjure fair Verona so much as suggest a dilapidated pier, but no matter, for it provides a fine platform on which to stage this play’s many conflicts, both physical and moral.
Robert Morgan’s costumes, too, possess a weathered look. They are made of coarse cloth and complement Funicello’s scenic design. Peter Maradudin’s lighting lends the production an eerie air, particularly in the fight scenes, which are very effectively choreographed by Steve Rankin. And together with Jeff Ladman’s sound design, David Van Tieghem’s jangly, thumping score, provides an almost cinematic ambiance.
All this, of course, would come to nothing were Sullivan not a fine directorand his cast not an able group. But while there’s always room for quibbles, this production is extremely persuasive and occasionally downright moving. In addition to Harris and Bergl, both of whom leaven the gravity of this play with appropriate wit and playfulness, a host of memorable supporting players also shine.
Lynnda Ferguson, as Juliet’s mother Lady Capulet, bears a striking resemblance to Glenn Close, and she carriers herself with the same sort of dignity. James Joseph O’Neill’s Tybalt, pumped up and with a bleached-blond buzz cut, emerges as a scary street tough whose preening is far from sissified. Conversely, the frail-looking Scott Parkinson’s Mercutio swishes around the stage like a gay David Spade. Richard Easton, a touch of Derek Jacobi about him, proves terrific as the well-meaning Friar Lawrence, whose best intentions, ironically, bring about incalculable harm.
As Juliet’s loyal nurse, Katherine McGrath nicely combines the bumblings and sputterings of a servant with genuine love for her charge. And in the role of Peter, a Capulet lackey, James Wallert hilariously demonstrates that even the tiniest part can be made rewarding.
To Sullivan, though, goes the most credit — for taking a familiar work and making it fresh again. Not by grafting on to it all sorts of extraneous or fashionable ideas, but rather by keeping it true, by trusting in the material itself. Some might think such an approach lazy or uninspired; in fact, it shows great insight and not a small degree of courage.
Romeo and Juliet
Lowell Davies Festival Theater, Old Globe Theater; San Diego; 612 seats; $39 top
- Production:An Old Globe Theater presentation of the tragedy in two acts by William Shakespeare. Directed by Daniel Sullivan.
- Crew:Scenic design, Ralph Funicello; costumes, Robert Morgan; lighting, Peter Maradudin; music, David Van Tieghem; fight direction, Steve Rankin; choreography, Bonnie Johnston; sound, Jeff Ladman; stage manager, Joel Rosen. Opened, reviewed Sept. 5, 1998. Closes Oct. 10. Running time: 2 HOURS, 45 MIN.
- Cast:Escalus - Rob NagleMercutio - Scott ParkinsonParis - Scott FerraraMontague - Jonathan McMurtryLady Montague - Rosina ReynoldsRomeo - Neil Patrick HarrisBenvolio - Peter SmithAbram - Matthew TronconeBalthasar - Aaron KrohnCapulet - Mike GenoveseLady Capulet - Lynnda FergusonJuliet - Emily BerglTybalt - James Joseph O'NeillOld Capulet - Jonathan McMurtryNurse - Katherine McGrathPeter/Capulet Servant - James WallertSampson - Scott FerraraGregory - Christian CasperTybalt's Follower - Michael CruzFriar Lawrence - Richard EastonFriar John - Baylen ThomasApothecary - Rob NagleParis' Page - Matthew TronconeWatchman No. 1 - Christian CasperWatchman No. 2 - Michael CruzWatchman No. 3 - Baylen Thomas Ensemble: Amy Chaffee, Andrea Cirie, Michelle Cordero, Leslie Kalarchian, Caitlin Muelder, Heather Raffo.
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