Steadstyle Chicago
February 2008 Theatre Review by Meghan Gillogly
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Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet
Critical Evaluation: **** out of ****
(Left) Lee Stark, Ronald L. Conner and Stephen Louis Grush; (Right) Grush, Matt Lukasiewicz, Christopher Prentice and Brandon Miller in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's "Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet".
Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 75-minute abridged production of "Romeo and Juliet" was one of the most engaging plays I have seen to date. Shakespeare is not always the most understood or inviting of productions for some people to see. I was one of those people, that is until I saw this production at Chicago Shakespeare, who wanted to avoid his writings as well as plays at all costs! Don't be afraid or turned off by this creative interpretation, it's is truly amazing and entertaining at the same time that when it was finished, I didn't want it to end! It was as much a surprise to me to realize and appreciate such a well performed and engaging production of Shakespeare that was clearly comprehended as much as it was relatable.
The
space provided at the Navy Pier theater was sleek and beautiful and
provided more than adequate acoustics to be able to hear the dialogue
on stage as these days it is a rare occasion to see actors without
attached microphones. Action on stage whether it was the
elaborate and well choreographed stage combat scenes thanks to Matt
Hawkins' training techniques, or thought-provoking interaction
between the actors was fast and furious because of the multi
accessible stage and the actors coming on and off from all angular entrances.
The chemistry between the whole cast was apparent that every character was perceived in their own special light no matter how many or how little scenes each character had. Their presence was strong and all seemed to equally attract attention in their own special way. For me, the Nurse (Kirsten Fitzgerald) stole the show. She was funny, loveable and seemed to convey a strength within her character choices that seemingly was the glue that held the whole story together whether it was intended or not.
As an added bonus, if there were any questions about the play itself or the process of putting it on its feet, collectively you are able to have the rare opportunity to be able to ask questions directly to the actors and artistic director after each performance. For these actors I cannot say enough about the range of their talents in this play and it truly was a treat to be able to see.
"Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet" is a 75-minute abridged production with no intermission. It is presented on Saturdays at 11am now through April 5, 2008. Tickets are $16 for students (18 and younger) and $20 for adults. Call the Box Office at 312-595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com.
About Meghan Gillogly
Meghan Gillogly was born and raised in Florida and has been involved with the arts since the age of two years old. She started as a dancer in everything from tap, jazz, ballet and some ballroom and taught in Orlando for a year. She had the opportunity to study and perform with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, with Frank Hatchett, a master choreographer from NYC, and danced on Disney's Cinderella castle stage. She became involved with the theater at nine years old with a local community theater and was hooked ever since. Throughout high school she performed in many classic plays including "Guys and Dolls," "Me and my Girl," "Once Upon a Mattress," and "Good News".
After high school, she attended and studied musical theater at Florida State University, Florida Southern College, American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and is currently enrolled at Columbia College here in Chicago to complete her Bachelor's degree. She also had the pleasure of studying with Michael Pieper at Second City, a talented and colorful director. She moved to Chicago two years ago and loves it! Meghan has had experience with creative and analytical writing most recently when reviewing "Massacre" at the Goodman Theatre this past spring for class.
Upon graduating from Columbia, Meghan plans to pursue a professional career as an actress on stage and film and is excited at the great opportunities Chicago offers to all of the arts professionally. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with Steadstyle and see some of the world's best actors perform here in Chicago. She also looks forward to not only experiencing the performances but becoming educated as she is a budding actress herself!