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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Back To The Basics Civic Performs ‘Romeo And Juliet’ As Shakespeare Originally Intended

With a hit movie and a hit soundtrack, “Romeo and Juliet” is red-hot right now.

What else is new? Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” has been red-hot for 400 years.

To celebrate that 400th birthday (approximately), the Spokane Civic Theatre is presenting a “Romeo and Juliet” that stays true to the original conception.

After the MTV-style movie version, this may come as a surprise.

“Some might find it unusual to tell the story in a more traditional manner,” said Maynard Villers, the director. “This is not ‘high concept.’ But since it coincides with the 400th anniversary of the play and the 50th anniversary of the Civic, we thought it would be more interesting and fun to do a more traditional version.”

The traditional concept extends even to the stage. Set designer Peter Hardie has built a representation of an Elizabethan stage, the kind that Shakespeare himself once trod. The two-story set, complete with balcony, is built into the proscenium arch, which means the back half of the stage is blocked off. The front part of the stage has been extended out, thrust-style, over the first two rows.

To compensate for the loss of those rows, extra seating has been added on the wings, right at stage level. Those who sit there may feel like the “groundlings,” the people down in front at Shakespeare’s old Globe.

Dee Finan’s costumes will be in the Italian Renaissance period, which may not be completely “traditional.” Shakespeare’s productions probably used contemporary Elizabethan costume, but it is completely logical since the story is generally assumed to take place in Renaissance Italy. Villers said the costumes utilize jewel-like tones; he calls them “stunning.”

As for the play itself, Villers said he is approaching the text in a straightforward manner. There will be some cuts to “streamline” the story, bringing it down to about 2-1/2 hours (otherwise, it goes over three hours). But he is not doing radical surgery, as in the recent movie.

The story, of course, has inspired (or depressed) young lovers for four centuries. Romeo Montagu falls in love with Juliet, of the rival Capulet family. They secretly marry; before long events spin out of control with tragic results.

In this production, Danni Guidry, 17, a recent graduate of Cheney High School, plays Juliet. Don’t think for a minute that a 17-year-old is too young for this part - the script specifies that Juliet is just shy of her 14th birthday.

Romeo is played by Jon Jordan, in his mid-20s, who is familiar to Civic audiences from his roles in “Vesta” and the Playwrights Forum Festival.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color photos

MEMO: Two sidebars appeared with the story: 1. THEATER The Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard, presents “Romeo and Juliet” on Friday, Saturday, Feb. 27-28, March 2, 6-9 and 13-15. All shows are at 8 p.m. except Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, $10 on Thursdays and Sundays; $9 for seniors, and $7 for students. Call 325-2507 to reserve tickets.

2. GREAT LINES FROM “Romeo and Juliet”: “A pair of star-crossed lovers …” “It seems she hangs upon the cheek of the night, like a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear.” “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?” “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?” “These violent delights have violent ends.” “Therefore love moderately; long love doth so. Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.” “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.” “Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say ‘Good night’ till it be morrow.” “A plague o’ both your houses!” “Past hope, past care, past help.”

Two sidebars appeared with the story: 1. THEATER The Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard, presents “Romeo and Juliet” on Friday, Saturday, Feb. 27-28, March 2, 6-9 and 13-15. All shows are at 8 p.m. except Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, $10 on Thursdays and Sundays; $9 for seniors, and $7 for students. Call 325-2507 to reserve tickets.

2. GREAT LINES FROM “Romeo and Juliet”: “A pair of star-crossed lovers …” “It seems she hangs upon the cheek of the night, like a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear.” “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?” “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?” “These violent delights have violent ends.” “Therefore love moderately; long love doth so. Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.” “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.” “Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say ‘Good night’ till it be morrow.” “A plague o’ both your houses!” “Past hope, past care, past help.”