“The story you are about to see has been told before. A lot. And now we are going to tell it again. But different.” The opening lines to Andy Riley and Kevin Cecil’s film “Gnomeo and Juliet” effectively sums up what it is do to Shakespeare’s works today, particularly his most popular romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Marie Farsi’s beautifully directed production which is currently gracing the stage at High Park is an exceptional example of telling “it again. But different.” A stellar cast, smart textual choices, and a stunning design make this Romeo and Juliet one I’ll not soon forget.

Sim Suzer’s set and costume design create the perfect atmosphere for this production. The set’s vibrant colours and timeworn appearance immediately give the feeling of a city street in Europe. Set during the year preceding WWII, the breezy floral dresses, sandals, and cotton shirts complete the atmosphere. Watching the colours of the set change as the shade covered the stage and the sun eventually set is one of my favourite elements of attending Dream in High Park; the experience changes from one moment to another and you’re able to fully take in all of the hard work that went into making the production as stunning as it is. The details in the set decoration were likewise thought out and beautiful, with old school radios, microphones, and switchblades for swords. It was almost as if you could smell the fresh scent of lemons wafting off the trees or could taste the gelato they’d be serving along the street.

Farsi’s choices for this production are fantastic; she’s able to still leave the essence of the story while trimming it down to a tight ninety minutes. And while that does mean that some favourite speeches might be altered or cut altogether, the best of the best is left in and we loose none of the vivacity of the characters. However, Friar John has taken on the role of narrator for this production, using bits of new text to help summarize what’s happened in the bits which have been eliminated. I think it’s brilliant to use Friar John in this way, as he traditionally gets very little stage time and yet his failure to deliver his message to Romeo is the catalyst for the tragic ending of this play. It almost feels like he’s having to explain the whole thing to the police afterwards, very akin to Ravi Jain, Christine Horne, and Alex Bulmer’s R&J. It also continues the narrative structure begun with the opening sonnet of the play, and Farsi allows Friar John to then finish this sort of epic poem he’s been telling us with the closing lines as well. I realized through this production that it’s really the Prince who loses the most in this story. Though both the Prince and the Capulets each lose two members of their family, the Prince’s family is not a part of this feud; it serves to show the collateral damage these families are making by their constant fighting.

Praneet Akilla and Lili Beaudoin star as Romeo and Juliet, and they both give impressive performances. Akilla leans into Romeo’s ever-changing moods and whiny attitude, which perfectly suits Romeo. Beaudoin, on the other hand, is a well-composed Juliet, with all of her girlish impatience mixed with some of Shakespeare’s most beautifully poetic lines. Their chemistry together is off the charts as well, you can feel the passion they have radiating from them throughout the performance. Mike Shara is a fearsome Lord Capulet; we see him so jovial and kind at the party and then become truly frightening when Juliet attempts to disobey him. Joella Crichton’s Lady Capulet is a good match for Shara – her ferocity and single-mindedness in having Juliet marry Paris closely mirror Shara’s Capulet. Meilie Ng pays Benvolio with all of the care and empathy which Benvolio brings to the play. Ziska Louis’ Tybalt is worthy of the title of Prince of Cats – Louis plays him even more hot-headed than usual, and his stature makes his intensity all the more explosive. Dan Mousseau’s Mercutio is likewise the epitome of this character, creating chaos wherever he goes. Asher Rose’s Prince commands the stage, attempting to quell the feuding families around him. Daniel Krmpotic’s Paris is kind and gentle, an unfortunate casualty of the play who gets much of my sympathy. Michaela Washburn’s Nurse made me laugh and cry in all the right ways; her motherly bond with Beaudoin’s Juliet is evident throughout. Diego Matamoros’ Friar Lawrence is sage and calm in the storms of Verona. Matthew G. Brown takes on Friar John with a grace and charm which make him perfect for the narration side of things as well. Having the two of them singing right off the top of the show is a delightful treat!

Dream in High Park is my favourite theatrical event of the year; I start looking forward to it as soon as the weather gets warm. As the amphitheatre filled in around me, I was astonished at the cross-section of the city who gathers in High Park: families with young ones, groups of friends, couples like my fiancé and I, everyone with a bit of food or something to drink to enjoy the evening. It’s a truly unique atmosphere at Dream in High Park, and certainly a dream I don’t relish having to awaken from at the end of each performance. Romeo and Juliet is such a great way to get your young ones hooked not only on Shakespeare but on the theatre in general, and to discover the magic that is Dream in High Park.

Romeo and Juliet runs at the High Park Amphitheatre until August 31. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.canadianstage.com/shows-events/season/romeo-juliet

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You can listen to my interview with Praneet Akilla and Lili Beaudoin here: https://aviewfromthebox.net/a-view-from-the-box-the-podcast/

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Cover Photo: The Cast of Romeo and Juliet. Photos by Dahlia Katz. Set & Costume Design by Sim Suzer. Lighting Design by Logan Raju Cracknell.

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