If you're looking for something fresh and a bit different, you might consider seeing how the Rude Mechanicals handle Shakespeare's timeless story of star-crossed young lovers. Laurel's own merry band of artistic anarchists obviously loves the Bard, but its members are not afraid to tinker with his plays, even one as well-known and beloved as "Romeo and Juliet."
The Italy of 500 years ago has been updated to a postmodern era with a monochromatic set designed to keep the focus on the characters. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues is symbolized by graffiti on the dark, brick-like walls surrounding the seating, its crimson streaks the color of blood. The characters' dress is contemporary.
Directors Brett Estey and Jaki Demarest switch the sexes of two of the major characters. Lord Capulet, Juliet's father, and Mercutio, Romeo's friend, are female in this version. The changes add new dimensions to the story, not only because of the vibrancy of the individual performances but because the new characterizations spice up the plot's dynamics.
Lord Capulet is re-imagined as Juliet's formidable mother by Kelly Slagle in a commanding performance infused with an earthy lust for power and control over her daughter. (The role incorporates the original Lady Capulet character as well.)
In this production, Mercutio, played with flair and swashbuckling zest by Demarest, is the lover of Benvolio, Romeo's cousin, played by Estey.
The bond between Lord Capulet and Tybalt, her self-destructive nephew, played by Peter Eichman, has a new and not altogether wholesome dimension, while the carnal pleasure that Mercutio and Benvolio take in each other is a counterpoint to the pure, idealized love between Romeo and Juliet. Demarest and Eichman play most of their scenes draped over one another, when they're not engaged in sword fights with their enemies, that is.
A word about that swordplay: Jeff Hersh's intense choreography has the antagonists flashing their foils on the stage and on the floor in the midst of the audience, pumping up the play with plenty of action and making it more than just the theatrical version of a chick flick.
The choice of Kevin Elder as Romeo is a bit unorthodox but ultimately successful. Slight, with the stooped-over posture of an old man and tousled hair dyed straw-yellow, you might mistake him at first for the father of one of the Backstreet Boys -- until he starts to speak and you realize there's a fine actor at work.
Elise Berg's Juliet is ever the ingénue, and her angst is that of a teenager. Juliet is seen, for example, pouting and channel-surfing between bouts of fighting with her mother. It is the adults who hold all the power here, and choosing death is the only way these teens can protect their bond.
The only flaw in this production is the lighting, which is flat and a bit murky. It may have been an artistic choice by designer Jay Henry to eschew color, candle-power and variety, but the effect is inappropriate for this vibrant and original look at a tale you think you know.
See "Romeo and Juliet" through May 12. Performances this Friday and Saturday will take place at 8 p.m. at Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Lane in Laurel. Performances May 10, 11 and 12 will take place at the Greenbelt Arts Center, 123 Centerway in Greenbelt, with show times Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Adults, $10; seniors and students, $8. 301-317-9438.
