By Alayna Een and Eliza Een
The Grassroots Shakespeare Company prides itself on performing Shakespeare as original practice, with limited rehearsals, fluid casting, live music and sound effects, and lots of audience input. Recently, the company took the idea of original practice one step further, performing Romeo and Juliet for a live audience before any formal rehearsals had taken place. This is not the first time that the GSC has offered an “unrooted” performance, and they are excited to offer no-rehearsal shows for their other plays this season. After two weeks of formal rehearsals, GSC will perform Shakespeare’s famous lover’s tragedy again just in time for Valentine’s Day: February 10th and 11th in Salt Lake City and 13th and 14th in Provo, Utah.
Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, a romantic tragedy set in Verona, Italy. Titular characters Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are children of feuding families who fall in love at first sight and secretly get married soon after. But the ill-fated lovers are caught up in duels and desperate plans, mischief and miscommunication that ultimately leads them both to an early grave. When the tale of woe is told in full, the feuding families forgive each other and a dearly bought peace settles on Verona.
Even though this performance was unrehearsed, the personal preparation of each performer, all GSC veterans, builds a solid foundation for the success of the show. Carter Walker plays the initially lovelorn Romeo across from his Juliet Sage Peacock, and they interact with each other beautifully as a romantic pair, mastering both the giddy highs of young love and the solemn lows of desperate souls. Walker also has excellent camaraderie with Mercutio (J Attridge) and Benvolio (Alyssa Vaughn), who tease the lovestruck Romeo and deliver witty banter during fight scenes. Personally, I experienced emotional highs and lows during Attridge’s death scene as Mercutio due to their flirty take on the scene and then cold acceptance of mortality and betrayal. Attridge also performed as the Prince, delivering the iconic opening and closing monologues. Alyssa Vaughn (also messenger) completed the trio with more levelheadedness. Alex Vaughn’s Friar Laurence assists the lovers and appeases the families with a delightful southern drawl.
Soren Budge is a practically perfect Nurse, paying homage in his costuming and mannerisms to a beloved British nanny. Soren’s range is exhibited on the other end by his portrayal of the somber Lord Montague. Berlyn Johns is regal and aloof as Lady Capulet, opposite the obtuse and Trumpish Lord Capulet (Claire Stucki Wilson), who received most of the audience’s enthusiastic boos. Paris is portrayed by Laura Wright, who is light and go-lucky but sincere as Juliet’s betrothed right up until Paris’s dramatic death in act III. Wright also takes a scene as the Apothecary, throwing in a dig at essential oils that the audience couldn’t get enough of. Live music and sound effects were provided by Gary Argyle, Kira Halterman, and Drake Hansen, with delightful interjections and familiar musical riffs that add an extra layer of drama and entertainment throughout.
I’m always impressed and delighted by GSC shows, and the no-rehearsal version was both a daring feat for the actors and a special treat for the audience. Artistic director Steven Pond called a few cues and fed a line or two when an actor called “Prithee!” and kept the show running to everyone’s content. The few character breaks and costuming kerfuffles were made more fun by the quick return to scene, adding some fresh comedy to a timeless tale for a fun and unforgettable night. And with two weeks of rehearsal ahead, I’m sure this play will shape up to be one of their best.
This delightful version of the beloved play makes for the perfect Valentine’s Day date night, and you can get premium tickets to mingle with the cast and enjoy hors devours after the show (February 13 and 14). You can also purchase a streaming ticket to see the show from the comfort of your home (13 and 14)! So borrow Cupid’s wings and come along to see the Grassroot Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah!
The Grassroot Shakespeare Company presents Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Lightree Studios 740 W 1700 S Suite 5, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
February 10-11, 2023 preshow at 7PM, show at 7:30PM.
The Hive Collective, 290 W 600 S, Provo, UT 84601
February 13-14, 2023 preshow at 7PM, show at 7:30PM. Meet & Greet after the Valentines show.
Tickets: $15-20
Grassroots Facebook Page
Romeo and Juliet Event Page
GSC Instagram
The Grassroot Shakespeare Company is currently scheduling show for its educational tour and accepting private bookings. Check the Grassroots Shakespeare Company website for more information
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