Monday, Sep. 08, 2008

Sierra Repertory Theatre puts new twist on old tale of 'Romeo and Juliet'

SONORA -- As drums pound, a beautiful voodoo priestess emerges from a cloud of smoke, shaking maracas and dancing wildly.

This is how Sierra Repertory Theatre's wildly passionate staging of "Romeo and Juliet" begins. Director Dennis Jones moves the Shakespeare production from Renaissance Verona, Italy, to late-1880s New Orleans, adding extra romance to the story of tragic love.

Jones, who doubles as set designer, creates breathtakingly beautiful stage pictures, from Juliet's flower-filled white lattice balcony to her and Romeo's red-and-white love nest.

Jones also does a first-rate job of highlighting key moments of the play with slower pacing, more intense lighting and mood-enhancing background music. Some of the most effective scenes that used these techniques are Romeo and Juliet's first kiss, Romeo's meeting with the priestess/apothecary and the couple's suicide.

This production is so good that it's ideal for newcomers to Shakespeare or those intimidated by the poetic language. It's easy to follow, and any questions can be resolved by looking at the synopsis helpfully provided in the program.

Attractive New York actors Michael Raver and Carey Urban brim with enthusiasm as teen lovers Romeo and Juliet. Raver's emotions vary wildly from despair to rage to joy and back. Urban is by turns impetuous and solemn.

Both emphasize the youthful innocence of their characters, making it all the more startling and powerful when they decide they have no choice but to kill themselves.

Becky Saunders and John Culliton are compassionate and nurturing as the young couple's confidants. As the Nurse, Saunders adores young Juliet and does her best to guide and protect her. Culliton, who plays Friar Lawrence, has a soft spot in his heart for both Romeo and Juliet and tries to help them make wise decisions.

Lauren Barnett, who looks like she's in her 20s, is cast as Juliet's mother, underscoring the fact that at the time the play was written, women became mothers at 12 or 13. She is a charismatic actress, advising Juliet forcefully about her responsibilities but still showing a warm mother's love for her only child. Ty Smith is boisterous as Lord Capulet, who forces Juliet into making a fatal decision.

Jared Michael Delaney is the life of the party as Mercutio, Romeo's best friend and the person who unwittingly leads him to trouble. Delaney is spirited and playful when he recites the famous "Queen Mab" speech. Travis Goodman is brusque as Juliet's cousin Tybalt.

Gorgeous Theresa Deveaux is exotic, mysterious and more than a bit sinister as the voodoo priestess. David Braga is stern and disapproving as the Prince.

This stunningly beautiful staging shows Jones' deep appreciation for Shakespeare and deserves big audiences.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at lmillegan@modbee.com or 578-2313.