Southeast's 'Romeo and Juliet' spares the good manners

Dr. Kenn Stilson doesn't hold any illusions about the nature of the principal characters in "Romeo and Juliet" -- the young men and women whose teenage desires drive the unfortunate turn of events that end the lives of so many.

Unlike the interpretations of the Shakespeare classic that seek to play up the romanticism of the old days, the manners of the old aristocracy and the intricate social dances of courting, Stilson's take on the tragic love story portrays the kids as exactly what they are -- raging with hormones, teenage lust and an often dangerous compulsion to act as adults.

They want to feel, they want sex, they think they know more than their elders.

Southeast Missouri State University's last production of the 2005-2006 season spares the good manners and gets at the real motivations of the young driving forces behind the play -- the rich kids.

This production has two clearly defined personalities. The rowdy first half carries the spirit of a cocksure young man and a lovestruck young woman, carefree with a just a touch of invulnerability. But the ambitions and fantasies of the young can get easily out of control, and the second half shows what a tragedy that situation can become when the extremes come to bear.

It's a show with something for everyone -- big fights, lots of jokes, great writing (of course, it is Shakespeare) and horrible, heartwrenching tragedy.

The tone is quickly set for lots of action before intermission; several exciting sword fights populate the first half of the play.

Romeo's Montague crew, particularly Nick Cutelli as Benvolio and Stephen Fister as the always-witty jester-like figure Mercutio, embody the bravado of hormone-infused young men. All they think about is sex and fighting.

Shakespeare was no stranger to comedy, and Southeast's cast brings the humor front and center.

A different Romeo

From the beginning, though, Romeo is different. He's a lover, not a fighter or a luster, and he seeks peace and a companion for life, unlike his buddies.

Freshman Desmond Gray makes his debut performance in this lead role, and seeps with emotion from the beginning, just as the young Romeo should.

His face contorts, his body stiffens and goes limp -- he is a conduit of the emotional roller coaster Romeo sits on.

His Juliet, Emily Brown, plays her role with the same romanticism. Her character stays true to its 14-year-old roots, a girl somewhere between child and adult, sometimes giddy and easy to fall in love from the start.

And what would any good production of "Romeo and Juliet" be without a fiery Prince of Cats? Not much, and Larry Lozier comes through with a strong, arrogant, hotheaded and easily hated Tybalt.

But anyone who knows the story knows that "Romeo and Juliet" is no comedy. The tragedy falls before the curtain comes down on the play's first half.

Juliet quivers with fear and mourning for a lost cousin and lost love; Romeo despairs at a future with no hope; and Lord Capulet bursts with rage.

The strength of the production is in the writing and the acting. Amazingly detailed costumes and a versatile set design only add to the accomplishment. Without question "Romeo and Juliet" is the pinnacle of this season.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

Want to go?

What: "Romeo and Juliet"

When: 8 p.m. tonight, Saturday, Thursday, April 28 and 29; 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2 p.m. April 30

Where: Rose Theatre

Info: 651-2265