Theater Reviews

Nov 14, 2009 - Nevada Rep's "Romeo and Juliet" is a moonlit affair of young love and tragedy

By Jack Neal

“Romeo and Juliet,” William Shakespeare’s tragic love story of what hate does to love, redeemed - one can only hope - by what love does to hate, is being given a youthful moonlit presentation by the Nevada Repertory Company. It’s not the ultimate “Romeo and Juliet” but it is nonetheless a very compelling one.

Directed by Nevada Rep’s venerable Jim Bernardi in his last production before retirement from the University of Nevada, Reno, and the company he helped to found nearly three decades ago, Bernardi’s perspective on who Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers are is colored by the director’s pursuit of cutting-edge presentations. Regardless, it’s Bernardi who’s in charge and his last show is a testament to his ability to tightly choreograph scene changes, underscore action with affecting music, and inspire performances from young student actors that make believers of us all once again of Shakespeare’s poetic and adroit commentaries on life.

Aside from its costumes, the production’s look is a handsome one. Michael Fernbach’s set and especially his lighting designs are eloquent and lovely to behold. Designer Teah Pollard’s costumes are another matter. Clearly designed to cleanly define generations and separate the Montagues from the Capulets, the clothes this attractive cast wears range from elegant to just slightly on the correct side of suitable.

Patrick Laffoon is a Romeo of exceptional good looks and comes close to realizing the potential of this celebrated young-man’s role. What Laffoon may lack in being completely comfortable with the music of Shakespeare’s words he makes up for with his dashing presence. Kara McNally is a comely and sweet Juliet who delivers her lines with the earnestness of a school girl who’s madly in love. What she, too, lacks in a comfortable fit with Shakespeare’s words she more than makes up for with her disarming vulnerability.

As Romeo’s buddy, Benvolio, Lucas Peterson’s is a standout characterization. Brian Annis shines as an up-front Mercutio who attracts attention with a young man’s penchant for sexual innuendo. Rising above all, however, is the remarkable Brad D. Martin who makes Friar Lawrence the production’s most admirable Shakespearean presence. Martin is simply splendid.

Also providing moments of pleasure are Lynn Lombardi as Lady Montague, Scott Sarni as the patriarch of the Montague family, Emilie Meyer as Lady Capulet, James Mardock as the formidable head of the Capulet clan, and – without doubt – Seth Love who hits the bull’s eye with his seething take on Tybalt. Speaking of Tybalt, the production’s fight scenes and sword play are impressive, thanks to fight director Kevin Davies.

What a beautifully framed and managed “Romeo and Juliet” this current production is. And what an upbeat way for Jim Bernardi to close his distinguished career.

The Nevada Repertory Company’s presentation of “Romeo and Juliet” can be experienced at the Redfield Studio Theatre, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, November 13 (the performance reviewed), 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m., and November 22 at 1:30 p.m. Performances are two hours, twenty minutes with intermission. Opening weekend $13, Wednesday and Thursday $15, all other performances $17 general admission, $15 seniors and students. For information call 775-784-4278 or 800-233-8928.