CHICAGO—In Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” two teens fall in love, but the play’s main question is whether their love can survive the blood feud that has turned their families, the Capulets and Montagues, into enemies. It’s now being presented in a venue that makes it available to everyone. That’s because it’s being presented in a wonderful production that’s playing for free in Chicago’s parks.
Widely considered the greatest love story of all time, William Shakespeare’s tragedy has captivated audiences and artists for centuries and inspired scores of films, ballets, operas, novels and the iconic Broadway musical “West Side Story.” It’s as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
A Classic, Performed Anew
Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are doomed because their families are locked in a bloody feud. Why are the two families determined to destroy each other? Shakespeare could have worked an explanation into the plot, but he chose not to. That’s a mystery that remains unsolved.
In Midsummer Flight’s outdoor production of “Romeo and Juliet,” the play has been streamlined so that the story is fast moving yet all the romance, heartfelt tragedy, and humor remains. Moreover, under the direction of Beth Wolf the play has wonderful comedic moments, such as the opening scene. That’s the scene in which Romeo laments that he’ll die if he can’t have Rosaline. Shortly thereafter, he’s lost interest in her because he’s fallen in love with another, Juliet, whom he describes in the same lovesick language.
Midsummer Flight’s free touring production of “Romeo and Juliet” works well in the fresh air and summer light. Presented throughout the city’s Night Out in the Parks program, it doesn’t rely on the technical equipment used by indoor theaters. Instead, it’s naturally lit with no sound amplification—the same conditions found in Shakespeare’s time.
The al fresco production reflects the time period in which the two youngsters fall in love. The play is set in Verona around the 14th to 15th century, which the costuming by Rachel M. Sypniewski suggests.
At the recent production I saw, wind ruffled the leaves of a nearby tree and interfered for a few moments with the dialogue, but the performers were so good that one could still follow the story.
Of course, since the play revolves around Romeo and Juliet, it’s crucial that their actors convey compelling portrayals. No problem here. Faiz Siddique as Romeo and Ebby Offord as Juliet are exceptional. They don’t play the characters as doomed lovers fighting for survival in a world crashing down around them. They portray them as youths who believe that if they love each other enough, they can make their relationship work. That conveys the play’s real tragedy: Love doesn’t always triumph over hate.
Other performers who add to the impact of this “Romeo and Juliet” include Zach Bloomfield as Lord Capulet, persuasive as Juliet’s father. He disapproves of Romeo and provides the catalyst for the story. Joe Zarrow does a nice turn as Friar Laurence who procures a drug to help the couple but his deed has the opposite effect. In addition, there’s Brandon Beach as Paris, the man to whom Lord Capulet has promised Juliet’s hand.
This “Romeo and Juliet” is as appealing and delightful as the outdoor parks in which it is being presented. It’s a fun way to spend time outdoors with friends, family, and Shakespeare.
