"Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene..."

However, once into the play itself the pacing is good, if not excellent, the dialog clearly delivered and understandable, and the acting by and large outstanding.

Director Steven Breese has brought us a gem of a show.  His use of the well designed set by Michael Mehler, and the swordplay/combat scenes directed by David Doersch, allow us to escape into the Italian setting of Verona.  In the director's notes he makes mention of still believing in the trust and idealism of youth that we see exhibited in Romeo and Juliet. Today, as I sit writing this review, I'm watching pictures from Scotland of the car that crashed into the Glasgow airport in an apparent terrorist attack.  I, too, believe in the idealism of youth, and to watch this show's joy and upbeat hope of what is, in reality a tragedy, is encouraging.  How refreshing to see the main characters portrayed as youth (which they were), rather than miniature versions of adults.  Thank you Mr. Breese.

In the leading roles are Rebecca Blumhagen (Juliet) and Aaron White (Romeo).  Their vitality and energy radiate from the stage, and their chemistry together is explosive.  We are allowed to see Juliet as she was, a very young girl of not yet 14 years and Romeo, who would have been not more than 2-3 years older.  Ms Blumhagen's portrayal is riveting at times, and to watch the transition from young girl to young woman is, speaking as a father myself, one that parents will recognize.  We see the various layers of childhood being pulled away, and what remains is both noble and attractive. 

Mr. White's Romeo reminds us of many young men, not quite a boy yet still not a man.  Hanging with his boyhood friends and doing things that "guys" do together, like spitting for distance.  But always the undercurrent of stirring manhood.   Knowing that decisions have consequences, but not always knowing what those consequences might be.  When all is said and done, these are two outstanding performances.  The ticket price paid is well worth every bit of their work before the audience, and lovers of theatre need to be flocking to see this production.

If these were the only performances of note, the show would still be worth walking in the doors.  Thank goodness this is not the case.

The supporting cast is also strong, especially Tamara Johnson as Juliet's nurse, and

the quartet which makes up Romeo's "posse" is just fantastic.