Never before has this writer felt more inside a play than on December 9. The School of Drama presented its production of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare from December 6 to the 9 in the Helen Wayne Rauh Studio Theater. Due to the small space and the popularity of the play, tickets sold out early in the semester.

The play was aptly directed by Laura Konsin. The audience would constantly be surprised as actors appeared amidst them, one of the strongest points of the play. The stage extended into the audience, often having part of a scene played out in the audience seating. The feeling of being part of the play is an interesting experience, and Konsin managed it with taste and tact.

Another startling feature was the minimalist aspect of the play: there was a balcony, a small elevated platform, and a large pink and blue rectangular box on stage. While many theaters would do Shakespeare with large and complex sets, this production was done without any changes to the set. Though props would come in and out, the stage and its background would not change, something that allowed the audience to enjoy and focus on the actors who moved and used this minimal stage with great skill. The actors would use their movements and speech to help the audience's imagination transform the stage into whatever scenic view was necessary. This was done with great success, something that the actors and director should be applauded for.

The acting fulfils the high expectations that past School of Drama productions have set. With CFA seniors Jordan Dean and Kristolyn Lloyd as Romeo and Juliet, the audience felt the pain and happiness of Romeo as well as the sorrow and joys of Juliet. Though at times the chemistry between these two would fall flat, they both succeeded in keeping the audience's attention when necessary. CFA junior Larry Powell was one of the highlights of the play as Master Capulet and Friar John. This writer found himself a little frightened as Master Capulet chastised and yelled at Juliet for not wanting to marry Paris. With such enthusiasm and skill, Powell will be someone to watch as the year goes on. CFA junior Ben Goldberg would steal the stage as Mercutio; his acrobatics and enthusiasm caused the audience to lean in and laugh. Goldberg used the stage with ease and skill, captivating the audience and keeping their attention, something that any actor will tell you is no simple task. Pittsburgh playwright Lissa Brennan would make the audience laugh and cringe with her superb portrayal as the Nurse and Sampson. She would immerse herself into the characters, making it seem as if that was how she always talked and moved, a skill that is extremely impressive.

Additional actors include CFA senior Rich Dreher as Friar Lawrence and Gregory; CFA junior Alex Cole as Tybalt and the second watch; CFA senior Jackson Tobiska as Benvolio and the first watch; CFA junior Lindsey Bullerdick as Lady Montague, apothecary, and page; CFA junior Brendan Chambers as Paris and Montague; CFA junior Amanda Payton as Lady Capulet and Abram; and, CFA junior Tro Shaw as Balthasar and Peter.

Let us not forget the staff required to put on a production, for without a stage staff there would be nothing for the actors to act in and use. CFA Master's student April Bartlett was scene designer, CFA senior Daniel Jentzen lighting designer, and CFA Master's student Julie Cross stage manager. Artistic producer was CFA faculty member Elizabeth Bradley, CFA senior Taylor Harris was production manager, and CFA senior Erik Grathwohl and CFA Master's student Joel Krause were project managers.

Overall, Carnegie Mellon's Romeo and Juliet was enjoyable and aptly done. With superb acting from all the key characters, well-choreographed fight scenes, and unique stagecraft, this production was worth watching. Though some of the chemistry between characters was weak, the strong performances and usage of lighting and stage would overwhelm some of the weaker parts of the play. If you missed this play, you have made a mistake I do not recommend you make again. For more information about the School of Drama's next show, The Memorandum, visit the website.

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