Shakespeare in LaPolt Park

Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy unfolds anew

“Romeo and Juliet” gives renewed meaning to violence, intolerance and misunderstanding

By RICHARD A. ROSS

richardross@riverreporter.com

LIBERTY, NY - To most teenagers, the thought of reading Shakespeare, a requisite part of high school English class, is apt to render visions of impending boredom and a rush to purchase Cliff Notes.

After all, what’s so cool about plays that date back over 400 years when the language that people spoke bears little resemblance to modern English? But cool it is to discover that what Shakespeare was writing about still resonates with themes that appear on television, in novels, films and plays.

But reviving Shakespeare is hardly a new notion.

In the long-running Broadway production of “West Side Story,” the tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet” came to life in 1950s terms as the feud between the Capulets and Montagues morphed into gang war between the Jets and the Sharks. The tragic outcome of the ill-fated romance between Tony and Maria became a modern analog for the dire consequences of intolerance, violence and misunderstanding. In both the original and adapted versions of the play, tragedy befalls a host of vibrant young lives including the star-crossed lovers. Although their love for each other transcends and heals the divisions that render their deaths, the lesson comes too late.

“Romeo and Juliet” is about to come alive on the stage at LaPolt Park on August 10 and 11 at 6:00 p.m., and on August 12 at 2:00 p.m. The production is directed by Oliver King, a seasoned actor, director and youth advocate who holds two things close to his heart. One is the theatre. The other is his devotion to helping young people discover ways to affirm their sense of worth and potential. King serves as coordinator for Teen Link to Community in Monticello.

Last summer, King did what most people would have deemed impossible: he staged a Shakespearean production with a cast of young people. The reaction wasn’t ho-hum. It was reverential. The crowd readily understood “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” and when it was over they stood up, applauded and yelled their approbation. That production featured mostly younger children.

This year, King raised the ante. He decided to render this production using teenagers. Without the help of many parents present at last year’s rehearsals, King has been challenged to keep the teens on task. And he has done it with startling results.

Leading the principals are Kienan Garn as Romeo and Lamorne Chang as Juliet. The former, a senior at Sullivan West, is a veteran of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Chang, a recent graduate of Liberty High School, makes her debut in this production.

Other veterans include 15-year-old Kelvin Wyche, who played dual roles in last summer’s production and stars this year as the flamboyant Mercutio.

“I’m kind of like the boy who cries wolf, and when I get stabbed for real, no one believes me,” quipped Wyche.

Then there’s seasoned actor John Neails of Monticello, who impressed King in the Sullivan County Community College production of “Driving Miss Daisy.” Though new to a role in a Shakespearean drama, Neails lends stability and maturity to the role of Lord Capulet.

Others appearing in central roles include Joey Newhall as Paris, Athena Fingers as Lady Capulet, Bob Bellamy as Lord Montague, Erica Salzman as Lady Montague, Jessica Newhall as the Nurse and Jonathan Ross as the tempestuous Tybalt. Friar Lawrence is played by Jorge Figueroa.

With a grant from the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, King has been able to augment the production. Liberty Parks and Recreation has provided the venue and painted the stage. Peggy Jackson, Liz Huntington, Gloria Garn, Kitty Rigler and Terri Barbuti are making period costumes. Jayne Jawitz is designing posters for the play. Harold Tighe is building the sets, which are designed by Cobalt Studios.

Swordplay, which abounds in the play, bears the authentic touch of Dr. Emeric Arus of Livingston Manor, a former member of the Romanian Olympic fencing team that finished sixth in the 1960 Olympics.

King’s production is free, but he seeks contributions for the rental of a sound system to make things more audible. Last year, Eldred High School donated wireless microphones and an amplification system, but this year that is not possible. Contact King at 914/799-5528.