Fiona Robberson and Ricco Fajardo as Juliet and Romeo
The summer season of Shakespeare in the Park is underway at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheater in East Dallas, featuring two plays that couldn’t be more different.
The season kicked off in mid-June with a performance of “The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) [revised],” which is a parody based on Shakespeare’s life and works. Sound interesting? Read my review about it.
“The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) [revised],” is very silly — not unlike many of Shakespeare’s own plays. However, Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet” is one of his more serious tales, and perhaps that’s why Shakespeare Dallas chose to pair it alongside “Compleat Wrks.”
“Romeo and Juliet” began at the end of June and runs until July 25, and if you’re thinking about going to see it I have one word to offer: yes.
“Romeo and Juliet” is probably Shakespeare’s most well-known play, and Shakespeare Dallas’ interpretation is easily one of the best I’ve seen.
For starters, the acting is superb. All the cast members do a good job, and Ricco Fajardo and Fiona Robberson, who play Romeo and Juliet respectively, will make you fall in love with the young star-crossed lovers all over again — even as you’re rolling your eyes at their overly dramatic teenage romance.
Because it was written sometime between 1591 and 1596, the dialog of “Romeo and Juliet” can be a little tricky to follow. I mean, it is Shakespeare after all. But true to form, Shakespeare Dallas made the performance easy to digest. So much so, that I bet even the kids in the audience were able to follow the storyline. And they were able to illustrate the dialog without making the lines feel too forced.
The play is directed by the artistic associate Rene Moreno. If you’d like to see it, you can find the schedule online. All plays start at 8:15 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or a lawn chair. You can also bring food and drink into the park, or plan to visit the concession stand during intermission.
