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Romeo and Juliet by Granite Hills Acting Workshop  It's the prototypical tragic love story. A young boy and girl fall instantly in love, but must woo and marry in secret due to their family's hatred for one another. In the end, that hate will destroy the lives of the young lovers and several others.
William Shakespeare's plot is brilliant as the various characters make a succession of tragic decisions. At each step they have an opportunity to end the doomed course of events, but each opportunity is missed leading to the seemingly inevitable conclusion. Playing the doomed lovers are Brandon Pohl and Stephanee Asch. Idealistic, moody, prone to great elation or despair at the slightest provocation (in this story it's mostly despair) -- the two combine for a genuine portrayal of blossoming young love. Brandon is the sullen, whiney wooer of Juliet who is only happy and content when with his newfound love, but even then he senses that the happiness is fleeting. Stephanee gives an especially strong performance from the moment she resolves to die rather than marry Paris (Chris Wilson), a marriage arranged by her parents. Thanks to some highly talented supporting actors, I've never laughed so much or so hard during a Shakespearean tragedy! As Juliet's English nurse, Chanel Nicolet had me in stitches most of the night. Her obnoxiously loud cockney accent, melodramatic expressions and body language, and waddling walk were perfect for the role. You would almost think she had actually found and imbibed in the "Aqua Vita" tonic that she wishes for so often during the show! Then there are Romeo's best friends, Mercutio (Nick Bonnell) and Benvolio (Derek Maples). Derek is absolutely hysterical with his outrageously powerful reactions to his friends' lighthearted banter about romancing women. Nick delivers a commanding performance as Romeo's flamboyant best friend. He combines with Tybalt (Travis Heath) for a remarkably thrilling swordfight, choreographed by Travis and Nick. Travis, who excellently portrayed Juliet's always hostile, eager-to-fight cousin, also choreographed his fierce fatal duel with an anguished Romeo. Elsewhere, Austin Thorpe does a good job as the Friar who does all he can to further the love between Romeo and Juliet, but sadly will end up forever regretting his efforts. Jarryd Davis and Aimee Dotts capably play the Capulets, Juliet's parents who are more concerned with status and appearances than they are with their daughter's happiness. Jarryd's enraged reaction to Juliet's refusal to marry Paris is very well done. Aimee, whose voice was barely holding on Saturday night, didn't really need her voice with her amusingly subtle but telling expressions as she is exasperated by the Nurse's long-winded monologue and her husband's chauvinism. All-in-all Director Barry Bosworth and cast have put together another fine production of a challenging play, and a memorable telling of the tragic story of Juliet and her Romeo. Rob Hopper San Diego Playbill Note: We send our sincere thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Granite Hills High School student Jocelyn Ragsdale who passed away on March 7, 2002 following a traffic accident on her way to school. We greatly appreciated Jocelyn's talent for singing and dancing as seen in Christian Community Theater's 2000 production of Traditions of Christmas. ~ Cast ~
Romeo: Brandon Pohl Juliet: Stephanee Asch Nurse: Chanel Nicolet Friar Lawrence: Austin Thorpe Mercutio: Nick Bonnell Benvolio: Derek Maples Capulet: Jarryd Davis Lady Capulet: Aimee Dotts Tybalt: Travis Heath The Prince: Landon Holder Paris: Chris Wilson Montague: Jason Araujo Lady Montague: Corie Bales Peter: Josh Fox Gregory: Nick Duffield Balthazar: Danny Lauridsen Sampson: Mike Parisi Friar John: Adam Brucker Abraham: Robert Brewster ~ Female Chorus ~ Tashya Garoutte Christa Lorenz Michelle Anderson Danielle Holbach Jennifer Forston Lisa Clarke Sarah Fishbaugh ~ Male Chorus ~ Ryan Batza Jared Johnson Michael Poe Director: Barry Bosworth Student Assistant Director: Michelle Anderson Costume Design: Amy Skinner Set Design and Construction: Barry Bosworth |