DANB’s production of Tom Pazik’s Romeo & Juliet is a glorious production, complete in every way. 

 It is hard to single out one single moment, one element, one moment of magic.

Please, run do not walk, to Romeo and Juliet tonight. I promise you a magical evening.

I laughed and cried.  Saw the moment when the two lovers “saw” each other, and knowing their future, grieved while wanting to cherish their awakening.

Pasik’s work is a wonder – just as his masterpiece Carmina Burana. He moves the dancers from light folk dance of the period to formal court patterns – to comedic interludes, playful sword fights with young men on the edge of manhood to the arrogance of the older powerful male. From the innocence and joy of first love to shattering death. 

The costumes are the perfect jewel for Carlos Asse’s incredible set. One rolling piece becomes the city of Verona, Juliet’s bedroom, the balcony, the crypt, interior church. Genius.

Artistic Director Kim Tuttle’ s passion for detail, always pushing for the highest quality artistic production, is clear in every choice she made.   Each individual was carefully selected. The charming flower cart girl. Tony Mancuso’s portrayal as Friar Lawrence had a fragile poignancy while Mark Sexton’s masterful Prince of Verona, Escalus, froze everyone on the stage and beyond with Shakespeare’s powerful words. And then there are the dancers, and do they dance!

Notable, Tucker Gokey as Mercutio; the bright, playful friend of everyone – dying as he lived.  Juliet’s nursemaid, danced by Marilyn Deiorio, believable in every moment and crushing in her agony over Juliet’s death. The parents, danced by Jose Ramos and Carla Amancio – demanding what she cannot do and shattered by her death. Three playful ladies of Verona danced by Alison Tucker, Beatriz Povoas, and Beatriz Correa. They make what they do look so easy and fun! Andre Valladon as Tybalt. He steps on stage with arrogance and a sneer. With a pointed finger he demands your attention.

As to Romeo and his Juliet. Perfection. Every moment. Tales Riberio and Rosemary Deiorio were gifted with these roles, and we were gifted with their performance.  Every moment believable. I ached with their love and their death. I was transported to another time when I saw Ulanova dance this role. I was breathless then; knowing I would never see anything as powerful - as emotional. Glorious.

I was wrong.  I saw DANB’s Romeo and Juliet last night.

DO NOT MISS TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE.

For Tickets

Bits & Pieces

Note: Please do join the performers following the performance in Fackler Foyer West.