It’s the classic tale performed in a classic style at The Met Theatre in Los Angeles.

With a few exceptions.

Despite an awkward opening that eliminates the classic prologue in favor of a cast melee (replete with several actors yelling at the Stage Manager in the far back corner of the theatre – confusing), director Louis Fantasia’s unfussy handling of the material kept the language and action in fluid thematic focus. Fantasia is also Director of The Huntington Library in Arcadia, CA. Howard Schmitt’s elegant, straightforward costumes helped keep us within the period and did not distract.

Romeo (Frederik Hamel) is portrayed exactly as you would like to see him: impetuous, illogical and wholly earnest when it comes to love. In both mannerisms and the occasional crack in his voice, Hamel brought him to young life by conveying Romeo’s complete naivety when it comes to matters of the heart, particularly in the famous “Balcony Scene” (II.ii).

Juliet (Megan Goodchild) is normally the character I worry most about when seeing a production of this play. She can be so easily pigeonholed into the “giggly teenage girl who is SO into him”-type of female character. Goodchild, however, pulls the maturity out of the character that exists in the text and runs with it. There are the giddy moments, but they are necessary to ensure that the audience remembers that we are witnessing the story of two children literally killing themselves for love.

Other gems came from Mercutio (Michael Matthys, who I learned has played the character five times), who is essentially one half of the comic relief, the other half being the Nurse (Jill Holden). Both drew plenty of laughs through witty performances.

The two standout performances were from Tony Motzenbacker as Friar Lawrence and Niall Padden as Lord Capulet. The moment either of these actors entered their scenes, you were engrossed. Both performances were immaculate, especially for two characters who, while vital to the story, are not normally meant to shine so brightly.

Like all of Shakespeare’s plays, the premise and action of the play is simple, but it is in the basic execution and delivery that a production shines. When you add veterans to a company production, you can hear different emphases in the dialogue, making even the most ancient syntax and vocabulary completely understandable. If this company were to mime their production, using only body language, facial expressions and sets, your heart would still break. Props were minimal, as they should be, and the attempt to recreate a Globe stage and atmosphere succeeded on all levels.

Highly recommended. Runs until April 5th.

Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Louis Fantasia
The Met Theatre (click)
50% Discount Through Goldstar Events (click)