Mercutio Loves Romeo Loves Juliet Loves
Written by Gina Femia; Directed by Scott Ebersold
Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at ART/NY at 502 West 53rd Street, 3rd Floor, NYC
November 8th - November 24th
Rocky Vega, Stacey Raymond, Leah Nicole Raymond (Photo Credit by Isaiah Tanenbaum)
It’s 2005 and a New Jersey Catholic Girls High School is mounting a production of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The two drama seniors are expecting the lead roles, but a cheerleader with a broken foot needs an activity to replace cheering. When the Cheerleader scores the role of Juliet, senior year will never be the same.
This is the best play on a Shakespeare play set in a high school since 10 Things I Hate About You. While not a take off of Romeo and Juliet, this is much more a spin on one of Shakespeare’s comedies. Yes, like R&J, young Britt is in love with fair Kate, just as Romeo loves Rosaline, only to have those affections shift to Amber, the cheerleader cast as Juliet. The writing is crisp and fresh. It has the romantic confusion of A Midsummer’s Night Dream without the fairies or the donkey. But it is full of high school angst, perceived stereotypes, and most importantly, innocence.
It’s the innocence that makes R&J a tragedy, and it’s what makes this play work. Britt, Ellie and Amber are innocents. They have no guile. When adult actors play children successfully, it means tapping into the innocence. Leah Nicole Raymond as Ellie, Stacey Raymond as Britt, and Rocky Vega as Amber are all superb, and believable. They have tapped into the fearlessness of first love. Leah’s Ellie is still discovering who she is, and deciding whether or not to let the world know. Stacey’s Britt knows who they are, but misses the love right under their nose. And Rocky’s Amber breaks the stereotypes. This tight ensemble is masterfully directed by Scott Ebersold. Ebersold keeps the action moving, and the transitions smooth. And Sound Designer, Sam Kaseta’s soundtrack will never let you forget precisely when all this is happening.
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juilet was Shakespeare’s most popular play in his lifetime, and still competes with Hamlet to be the most performed. It remains relevant because first love is still filled with heartbreak. While Mercutio Loves Romeo Love Juliet Loves has the heartache of unrequited love, it also reminds us we have long lives yet to live. And while you’re living that life, I recommend you see this production! I’m only sorry that the cheerleaders with whom this drama kid did Tartuffe, Guys and Dolls and The Pajama Game won’t get to see this production.
The production features design by Emmett Grosland, Sam Kaseta, Brynne Oster-Bainnson, and Derek Van Heel. The show is choreographed by Brad Landers. The production is stage-managed by Michelle Elizabeth and Assistant Stage Managed by Rachel McPherson.
Click HERE for tickets.
Reviewed by Nicole Jesson.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on November 11th, 2024. All rights reserved.