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| William Thomas Hodgson and Emily Ota Photo by Jenny Graham |
The Death of
Innocence
This classic, romantic tragedy by Shakespeare, is directed
by Dámaso Rodriguez (Artistic Director of Artists Rep in Portland, OR). It is playing, in repertory, at the outdoor
Allen Elizabethan Theatre through October 12th. For more information, go to their site at www.osfashland.org
Our teen years are a tricky period. We are unaware that we are not the center of
the universe, nor do other people in our secluded realm have any importance,
nor do we sense they believe differently than we do. We do not connect, yet, older people with us
at a later age. We believe we are
fearless and will live forever, this we surmise in our Youth. Not yet aware of the shackles of adulthood,
nor have we completely shed the feathers of our innocent childhoods. We, as teens, are at a vulnerable and
dangerous age.
Such was the plight of Romeo (William Thomas Hodgson) and
Juliet (Emily Ota), barely into their teens in Verona in the 1600’s. Their two wealthy families, the Capulet’s and
Montague’s, have been warring for many years, although neither can recall when
it all got started, nor why. Dad (Greg
Watanabe) & Mom (Amy Newman) Capulet, keep a tether on their headstrong
daughter, relying on her Nurse (Robin Goodrin Nordli), to keep a trained eye on
her, as they have her promised to Paris (Armando McClain), a noble, as a future
husband.
Likewise, Dad (Richard Elmore) & Mom (Monique Holt)
Montague have an equally rebellious son, as he runs around with a pretty rough
crowd, mostly consisting of his cousin, Benvolio (Julian Remulla) and his best
friend, Mercutio (Sara Bruner), who always seem to be getting in scrapes with
Tybalt (Derek Garza), the mean-tempered cousin of Juliet, and his mates. Not even the potent power of the Prince
(Christiana Clark) of the region, nor the calming influence of Friar Laurence
(Michael J. Hume), can sooth these savage beasts.
I doubt that there are more than two people left in the
world that have not read or seen the story and outcome of this tale of
“star-crossed lovers,” as it does not end happily. The world is full of tales of stubborn
parents and mis-guided youth, but this is probably the most pronounced, as the
Bard is justly considered the greatest of playwrights because of the universal
and timeless appeal of his tales. From
poetic prose, to rap, to ballet, to a full-blow, award-winning musical, proves
the power of that statement.
And why is this incarnation, of this oft-produced play,
special? Rodriguez, of course, at the
helm, who has proven himself a worthy director many times over at Artists Rep
and has provided us with a more “traditional” view of this story, with a fuller
script of the play, I believe, than often seen, and a keen eye for casting the
best person for the role, regardless of gender or ethnicity, the much-preferred
way of casting a play, as far as I’m concerned.
The costumes by Leah Piehl are quite amazing, too.
Both Hume and Nordli, in two of the best characters roles of
any of his plays, can wear proudly the mantel of doing these parts proud. But the stunner of the evening is Bruner,
unforgettable as Mercutio, as she owns the stage whenever she is on it! Her bravado and swagger give us the view of a
Youth, doomed almost from the beginning…a character out of place and step with
her times. A person thwarted before she
has begun to show her metal. Her Queen
Mab speech is the best I’ve seen and her death scene is remarkable, as she
fights to preserve her life’s blood from draining and yet has her wits about
her to rail against the fading of the light.
Bravo!
I recommend this show.
If you do choose to see it, tell them Dennis sent you.
Ashland
Springs/Hills
As always, we again stayed at one of these two places, this
time the Ashland Hills, their resort location about three miles South of the
downtown area. It has a number of
varieties of rooms and suites, as well as a swimming pool, hot tub, deli, et.
al. amenities. They also have a super
buffet breakfast, including sausage patties, waffles, cereals (hot & cold),
bagels, toast, juices, fresh fruit, coffee/tea, milk, etc., that is included in
the price of the room. The Springs, the
downtown location, next to OSF, also has secured parking. I highly recommend both of these places, both
having reasonably prices, very comfortable rooms and a friendly
staff. For more information on both
these locations, go to their sites at www.NeumanHotelGroup.com
If you do stay there, tell them Dennis sent you.
If you do stay there, tell them Dennis sent you.
--DJS
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