BWW Reviews: ARB's Extraordinary ROMEO AND JULIET at Hamilton Stage

The American Repertory Ballet (ARB) continued their season in April with Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, which was presented on the Hamilton Stage of Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The venue, which seats 199 guests, was perfect for audience members to closely view the beauty and charm of ARB's production.

I have seen Romeo and Juliet performed many times before, but I was pleased by the original choreography and direction of Artistic Director, Douglas Martin. I attended the matinee along with families who brought their youngsters to see the popular ballet, and even the youngest attendees were fascinated.

The afternoon performance featured Monica Giragosian as Juliet and Joshua Kurtzberg as Romeo. The pairing was perfect. While we know that the young lovers' relationship is doomed in the Shakespearean tragedy, Giragosian and Kurtzberg succeeded in charming the audience with their playful romance. They danced the pas de deux in Juliet's garden with grace and style, accented by intricate lifts that were perfectly executed.

The depictions of the House of Montague and the House of Capulet were well contrasted, with dancers taking full advantage of their roles. The village girls from the House of Montague were peppy and smart, which contrasted well with the stiff, snobbish, royals from the House of Capulet at the wonderfully staged ball.

ARB's production of Romeo and Juliet needed little in the way of props. The lighting by Lauren Parrish and elaborate costuming by Michelle Ferranti were all that was needed to make the production shine.

Talin Kenar delivered an outstanding dramatic performance as Lady Capulet, as did Alexander Dutko as Romeo's loyal friend, Mercutio. ARB's production of Romeo and Juliet was an outstanding example of dance being perfectly adapted to dramatic interpretation, with the ARB dancers in full command of their art.

The American Repertory Ballet will continue their performance season with participation in Jersey Moves Festival of Dance at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on Saturday, April 27th at 7:30 pm. More information on ARB's Company, Performances, Programs, and The Princeton Ballet School can be found on their website at www.americanrepertoryballet.org.

Photo Credit: George Jones

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