Romeo & Juliet at Oak Park Festival Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Jones and Forman speak Shakespeare’s language fluidly, and the play’s abundant celestial imagery stands out in the open-air setting, even though the stars aren’t too visible in Oak Park. Juliet’s invocation of the “gentle night” takes on chilling prescience when she pleads, “Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, / Take him and cut him out in little stars, / And he will make the face of heaven so fine, / That all the world will be in love with night, / And pay no worship to the garish sun.” Dark stuff, wrapped in gorgeous verse."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...It should go without saying that when you have actors as strong as these two in the lead roles, the production is probably at least passably good. And in this case, the production is dazzling. Not every performance is as intense as those of Forman and Jones, but under Andersen’s capable direction, every actor feels right in their role. More importantly, everyone delivers Shakespeare’s wicked smart lines with clarity and power. This is indeed a production to make an English teacher proud. (This English teacher wishes school was still in session so he could drag all his best students to see this production.)"

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Andersen’s focus on creating a sharp contrast between the play’s antecedent and consequent halves is what makes this version of a classic stand out. Act I is uproariously funny, with characters donning brightly colored costumes reminiscent of queer culture from the 1970s to today—see-through mesh shirts, open vests lined with pink feathers, jackets with large lapels and sparkly designs. A bumping synth-bass soundtrack highlights both fight scenes and dance parties, and Shakespeare’s witty repartee is delivered with expert comedic timing."