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	Vol.7, No 17, September 28, 1999
	'Romeo and Juliet' well worth one's time By Andres Cardenas Daily Forty-Niner Two teenagers fell in love at first sight, they expressed an undying love for each other despite parentsí objections and due to a miscommunication they committed suicide. PLAY REVIEW Does everything except for the suicide sound like a teenagerís love life? The Long Beach Playhouse kicked off its 71st season with such a story, "Romeo and Juliet," written by William Shakespeare, in a night of action, drama and romance that is well worth the time. What made this production extraordinary was that the play was all around the audience. The actors were in the center of a u-shaped auditorium and they used the aisles as their stage. They said their lines from the top of the aisles and used them as an offstage exit. Another aspect that made this play unique was that the players spoke directly to the audience.  The players walked directly to people in the audience during their monologues and with eye contact said their lines. The story took place in Verona, Italy. Romeo Montogue, played by Jason Schlatter, is a lovesick teenager who - with friends - crashed a party thrown by his family's archrivals, the Capulets.  There he met the woman of his dreams, Juliet, played by Erin Davis. After a short period of time the two eloped. The interaction of Schlatter and Davis was superb; both gave the feel of true love.  This was evident in the famous balcony seen, which they spoke with care. Eliot Arnold who played Romeo's his best friend, Mercutio, turned in another great performance. Arnold played his part with vigor; his performance was memorable and fun to watch. The cast did a wonderful job. The Capulets' performances, played by John Gilbert and Terra Shelman, were outstanding as the loving but controlling parents of Juliet.  Andrew Diaz who played Tybalt did an excellent job as did Friar Lawrence who was played by Greg Leach. "Romeo and Juliet" will be performed every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. until Oct. 30. Sunday matinees shows are on Oct. 3, 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for Friday and Sunday and $15 for Saturday performances.		Long Beach Playhouse actors Erin Davis right, and Jason Schlatter star as Romeo and Juliet running through October.                                                               New bill protects gays L.B. buses brought to life through poetry GOP aims to get women, minorities Area code change halted Growing women's center aching for volunteers Fear, hatred back Students, retailers need more spirit President takes stand on credit cards 'Romeo and Juliet' well worth one's time 'Three Kings' action packed Men drown opposition over weekend 49ers open conference play with mixed results Another disappointing weekend for soccer Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.