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Romeo and Juliet

By Matt Windman | amNewYork Theater Critic

June 25, 2007

Lauren Ambrose in Romeo and Juliet. (Photo by Michal Daniel / June 24, 2007)

You may find it hard to believe that "Romeo and Juliet," easily the most well known play in the English language, has not received a Shakespeare in the Park production since 1968, when Joe Papp directed and Martin Sheen played Romeo.

The tragedy seems perfectly suited for the outdoor Delacorte Theatre, where Romeo can actually point to an "envious moon."

In Michael Greif's ("Rent," "Grey Gardens") production, where the actors dress in turn of the century garments but still carry swords, the stage is dominated by three set pieces: a large, shallow moat that covers the cast up to their ankles, a black iron bridge that stretches diagonally across the water, and a circular boardwalk that revolves automatically.

The cast, unfortunately, shows no signs of ensemble chemistry. Frankly, no one seems to be in the same production, particularly Austin Pendleton, whose Friar Lawrence is totally lost amidst the under-directed mess. And Camryn Manheim, who could have easily been a great Nurse, is forced to snort her lines to grab attention.

Lauren Ambrose's Juliet is far too mature and understated to be convincing. Though it is not necessary for an actress playing Juliet to actually be thirteen years old (Ambrose is 29), she must credibly convey the character's tender innocence and consuming need to be with her Romeo.

Oscar Isaac, freely swinging his long curly hair about, passionately portrays Romeo's romantic idealism, and later grief. Isaac even manages to find some humor in the death.

However, it is Michael Cristofer as the stern Lord Capulet who unexpectedly steals the scene, followed by Christopher Evan Welch, who plays Mercutio like an overexcited, overgrown child.

Greif's staging ranges from awkward, as in every fight scene, to gorgeous, particularly in the Balcony Scene. It is a more or less serviceable production, kicking off a so-called "Summer of Love" that will also include "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Hair."

'Romeo and Juliet'
At Delacorte Theatre, through July 8. Tue-Sun 8pm, FREE, but tickets required. For details, visit www.publictheater.org.