My second Romeo and Juliet of Valentine's Day Weekend (and my 17th lifetime), was a steampunk dance version. And there's no one I would trust to do a steampunk dance version of this classic tragic love story other than Collide Theatrical.
They first interpreted R&J in 2014, with two actors reciting some of the dialogue interspersed with dance scenes, which didn't always work. At the time I wrote, "I would love to see them go all the way with the concept and tell the story strictly through dance with little to no dialogue." And that's what they've done here, to great effect. (They also did a version of this show in February 2020 but I missed it, I guess I was too busy in those blissful pre-pan days.) After a bit of an introduction, we're off on the dance train, with the main plot points clearly told through movement and dance (it probably helps that the story is so familiar).
Collide's Romeo & Juliet plays for one more weekend at the gorgeous Luminary Arts Center. And if you're on the fence about whether or not to see this oft told story again, here are ten reasons you should.
- The number one reason to see this show is the incredible dancing, which you can always count on from Collide. Choreographer Reginal Pelusa, along with several of the cast as associate choreographers, has created some really fun dance numbers that beautifully express the emotions of the story. Elegant solo numbers, busy and boisterous group numbers, and everything in between.
 |
Romeo (Patrick Jeffrey) and Juliet
(Allison Bartels, photo by Alexis Lund) |
And the 15-person ensemble executes this choreography gorgeously, while also creating unique characters without speaking a word. And the relationships between them are clear, especially our star-crossed lovers, played by Collide regular Patrick Jeffrey (reprising his role from 2014) and NYC-based guest artist Alison Bartels (who dons ballet shoes for a couple of numbers, dancing en pointe). They're strong dancers individually and together, and really create a couple to root for and believe in. Other highlights include Noah Coon and Emily Rose Phelan as Romeo's fun-loving pals Mercutio and Benvolio, Jarod Boltjes as Juliet's cousin Tybalt (really establishing their friendship, making his death the more poignant), and Heather Brockman as the Friar (also sort of filling the role of the Prince).- Dances are accompanied by recorded music - pop songs throughout the decades. I don't know pop music, so a lot of the songs I didn't know, but they're all well-chosen to convey the emotions and themes of each scene. And the use of "Can't Help Falling in Love" as a recurring theme for Romeo and Juliet is effective, lovely, and tragic.
- The story is set in modern times, with characters using cell phones (although there is apparently still arranged marriage). This condensed version of the story (about two hours including intermission) changes things around a little - the party is actually an engagement party for Juliet and Paris, instead of a secret marriage between Juliet and Romeo everyone seems to find out, and both are present at the battle that results in the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt. It's an interesting take, and reminds us that young people still do foolish things in the name of love.
 |
| photo by Alexis Lund |
The steampunk costumes (designed by Regina Peluso) are very creative and a lot of fun to take in. The ensemble is dressed in black with lots of leather and steampunk touches, with Juliet and Romeo standing out from the crowd in their breezy white costumes.- The set continues the steampunk/clockwork theme, with gears and clocks, including a projection of a giant ticking clock - reminding us this love story has an end. Two full staircases are wheeled around in different arrangements, including for the requisite balcony scene (set design by Erik Paulson, projection design by Leslie Ritenour).
- If you've always wanted more blood in your Romeo & Juliet - you've come to the right place! All four of the onstage deaths use blood in effective ways, especially at the end, mirroring the red accents added to our doomed couple's wardrobe.
- The themes of this story sadly never go out of style - two groups that hate each other, the us vs. them mentality, the power of hate to divide. But neither does the hope of love breaking through to connect people on an individual level, maybe paving the way for healing and a greater connection.
- Romeo and Juliet is a story with big emotions, and what better way to express big emotions than with dance?
- Did I mention the dancing?!
 |
| photo by Alexis Lund |
