Theater review: Humor highlights requisite tragedy in Guild's 'Romeo & Juliet'
Yes, the requisite tragedy and heartbreak of the titular young lovers is evident in Genesius Guild’s “Romeo & Juliet.”
But so, surprisingly enough, is a bawdy and raucous sense of humor that permeates much of the first act of what is arguably Shakespeare’s best-known work.
The humor has always been there, argues a longtime Shakespeare instructor who stopped me after the show. It just may have been cut or sanitized for many of us through the years.
Take Patti Flaherty as Juliet’s nurse. Within the first minute of stepping onstage, she breaks open the floodgates for a rollicking and risque performance by several of her castmates. Her line delivery nears a Monty Python level, with a different decibel level, pitch and pace from those around her so you can’t help but laugh.
Also riding that wave is Michael King as Mercutio, Romeo’s friend and an occasional foil to the nurse. He also brings a fresh read to the role, capitalizes on the bawdiness and makes a nice Mutt-and-Jeff contrast to Aaron Sullivan as Benvolio.
The humor in the first half doesn’t envelop the tragedy of the second act, but it does highlight the contrast in the performers.
As Romeo, Andy Koski effectively plays the romantic lead, but his line delivery seems almost muted after an exit by Flaherty or King. Aisha Ragheb is admirable as Juliet, portraying the sweetness of the lovestruck teenager in her first Genesius role.
Several other Genesius veterans give standout performances, including Pat Flaherty as Lord Capulet and Bob Hanske as Friar Laurence. Jonathan Gregoire also shines as Tybalt.
And kudos to Eric Lohmeier, who just returned from his third tour of duty in Iraq to command, with 10 days’ notice, the role of Lord Montague.
Besides playing a rambunctious Bonvolio, Sullivan choreographed the numerous fight scenes with plenty of two-fisted swordplay.
King designed the effective multilevel set with (at last count) 11 different openings for entrances and exits.
Director Barbara Carroll creates numerous memorable moments that will keep the traditionalists happy while giving something unexpected to those who think they know the story of the star-crossed lovers.
IF YOU GO
What: “Romeo & Juliet” by Genesius Guild
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 25; 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27
Where: Lincoln Park theater, Rock Island
How much: Free, with donations accepted
Information: www.genesius.org
David Burke can be contacted at (563) 383-2400 or dburke@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.