“Romeo and Juliet” reviewed by Frank Meccia

Highly Recommended ***** “ But soft, what light through yonder windows breaks” These words spoken back in 1597 are still heard today as Romeo & Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most performed play. 16 months after live theatre was stopped because of a virus, Kane Repertory Theatre is back, and this time under the historic setting of the Potawatomi Park Gazebo in St Charles, overlooking the Fox river, a perfect setting for a great performance.

Kane Repertory Theatre is a home for professional, intellectually stimulating theatre. Working to be one of the Midwest’s leading regional theatres per their Mission statement. And tonight, they formed an ensemble of dynamic and talented artists of all ages. To be honest, I did not know what to expect being this company was formed last year and was shut down by the pandemic, but after watching tonight’s performance they will be a good force in Chicago theatre.

To begin with Shakespeare’s book is 480 pages, in the wrong hand this can be a long drawn out 2-to-3-hour production. But tonight, Paul Kassel kept this light and quick moving, and not with over done sets or costumes, but with a great cast of actors.

Max Stewart as Romeo shines in this role, and when you see his resume of acting skills and awards you can see how he managed this role even with a dislocated shoulder, and his arm in a sling. Leiren Jackson as Juliet was cast perfectly, she is young and played the naive Juliet to a tee, never once loosing that great Shakespearean accent. Avery Bowne as Paris and Avery Fountain as Benvolio came across sharp and easy to listen to as they spoke. But the one actor that surprised me was Daniil Krimer as Mercutio, his passion and his voice and acting made the entire play enjoyable.

What was really interesting was that the set was simple two tables and two wood steps, that and add some color scarfs that everybody wore and have them dress in simple black linen , loose trousers and basic black dresses or pants and you have the same simple costumes that were used back in the 1500’s. But, with this production you did not need anything to take your eyes away from this cast.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $15 for students and young adults. Performances are Tuesday thru Friday at 7pm and Sunday Aug 29th at 2pm.

Tickets can be bought their or online at www. Kanerepertorytheatre.com .

St Charles is about a 50 min drive from Chicago, and about a 35 min drive from the Northwest suburbs.
Pottawatomie Park is at 8 North Ave St. Charles Il. When you park follow the signs to the pavilion.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Romeo and Juliet”.