‘Romeo and Juliet’ triumphs

in the open air of Liberty

Oliver King produces a sensational fusion of youthful talent

By RICHARD A. ROSS

richardross@riverreporter.com

LIBERTY, NY – Oliver King is, simply put, a man of magic. His production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” staged at Lapolt Park from August 10 through 12, was an inimitable success on many levels. Not only was the play rife with fine acting, stunning costumes and authentic sword fighting, it was the final product of King’s months of work with area youth to produce a legitimate Shakespearean tragedy with many people who had never acted before or even read a play by the Bard.

This was the second consecutive summer that one of King’s Shakespearean enactments graced the stage in a park nestled in the midst of busy downtown Liberty. Last summer it was “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” King promises another Shakespearean production for next summer as well. Given the enthusiasm of his cast, many of the players are apt to return to work with King again.

Utilizing the entire park area for its ranging fight scenes, meetings with Friar Lawrence (Jonathan Bryant), the Capulet mansion and the balcony scenes between Romeo (Kienan Garn) and Juliet (Lamorne Chang), the play was enhanced by the music of Christina Desmond, April Finn, Miranda Zeininger, Eryn Robinson, Iris Robinson, Anjuli Bryand and Jessica Robinson.

The fight scenes between Tybalt (Jonathan Ross), Mercutio (Kelvin Wyche) and Romeo were highly realistic, thanks to the coaching from former fencing Olympian Dr. Emeric Arus of Livingston Manor.

King’s production, sponsored by Teen Link to Community and the Maternal Infant Services Network of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, was dedicated to the memory of all of the children lost to untimely deaths in the area.

Fine acting was turned in by all of the principals. John Neails excelled as Lord Capulet in his first Shakespearean role, Ross as the arrogant and cocky Tybalt, Wyche as the reckless Mercutio and Jessica Newhall as the Nurse. Their acting added support to the fine work turned in by Garn and Chang as the star-crossed lovers. Learning the large number of lines required by those players was a major accomplishment. The dancing of Sherma Williams drew accolades from the cast and the audience.

Kudos to King and the entire cast and production crew for not only the play but for the priceless experience of all those who participated in it.

Visit www.dotphoto.com for additional pictures of the show.