From The Dallas Morning
News
(Lawson Taitte):
"The Secret to making outdoor
Shakespeare fun is filling up the wide-open spaces with big emotional
effects. Fortunately somebody clued in the two stage directors for
this year's Shakespeare Festival of Dallas."
" Steven Breese finds vivid
colors in Romeo & Juliet. His star-crossed lovers storm
across the stage like real adolescents. Everything is writ large--Shakespeare's
jokes as well as his characters' ardor and pain."
"Mr. Breese's
Romeo & Juliet takes
many risks. . . his high concept interpretation works surprising
well in conveying the hatred between the lovers' opposing families."
"But Mr. Breese has more ideas
up his sleeve. Critics have often remarked that Romeo and Juliet
is a comedy gone wrong, and Mr. Breese seems to have taken that
to heart. . . when Joanna Schellenberg's Juliet darts about the
stage and sasses her mom and dad, for once you can believe this
tragic heroine is only 13. But when the action turns dark, the actors
pull no punches."
"All in all, this Shakesfest
has probably come up with the best double bill ever! Your cheating
yourself if you don't see both shows."
From The Ft Worth Star-Telegram
(Punch Shaw):
"Ever wonder what Romeo
& Juliet would be like if it had been written by Margaret
Mitchell? Dallas Shakespeare production answers that question with
its excellent production of the Bard's tale of star-crossed love
set in the American South during Reconstruction."
"Modern dress" productions
of Shakespeare's works usually have novelty value and little else...But
the time and place changes to this production do add a great deal
to this appealing presentation."
"Pitting
the vanquished Southern Capulets against the hated Yankee Montagues
is one of the most clever touches put to this work since the 'Sharks'
took on the 'Jets.' It not only makes sense, but also gives interesting
resonance to the Bard's poetry."
"The real stars of this show,
however, are director Steven Breese, who makes the whole idea work;
costume designer Giva Taylor, whose perfect choices include the
clever idea of putting Mercutio in a Zouave uniform; choreographer
Linda Leonard; and set designer Russell Parkman."
"This is a smart and polished
ensemble effort that freshens the one Shakespearean Play that needs
it most."
