But Really, Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?

Everyone knows the story. Everyone has seen the play (or movie) at least once. Everyone pretended they understood Shakespeare’s language and logic when first reading it in middle school. Everyone longs for their Leonardo DiCaprio – um I mean, Romeo.  But not everyone can say they have seen the play at the Sydney Opera House…

  

I have wanted to go see a performance at the Opera House since the last time I was in Australia. It is one of those typical-touristy things you must do while in Australia, so it was exciting to get to cross it off my Tourist Bucket List. It was even more exciting that Romeo and Juliet was touring at the Opera House while me and some Americans could all experience the Sydney-cliché together! I mean, what girl doesn’t love Romeo and Juliet?  [If not specifically the play, the idea of forbidden love, etc etc – maybe not the committing suicide part – BUT STILL, IT IS A ROMANTIC STORY!]

Anyways, the play was great. It was more of a modern/rebellious teenage rendition of the play so it definitely appealed to my likings. I find Shakespeare somewhat difficult to follow, but the music and the modern twist of the typically posh scenes worked well for me.  For example, the play opened with a big party scene (where Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time) as the stage rotated around blaring Alt-J’s  “Fitzpleasure”.  But just like every Romeo and Juliet (no matter how modernized) adaptation, the second act was darker and more depressing than the first act.  Something you just can’t change about Shakespeare – poor sap.

The one thing that I will criticize about the play is that the casting of Romeo was only subpar. Okay okay, he was an amazing actor – anyone who can memorize and recite a leading role of a Shakespeare play I will consider a great actor. Butttt he certainly wouldn’t be my Romeo if I was Juliet, if ya know what I’m sayin'?  He was short – almost shorter than Juliet – and he did not seem to be in the best shape (tight clothes do not lie). Father Laurence was more attractive than Romeo! Not okay.

Other than the lacking luster of Romeo, it was an amazing evening at the Opera House.  We all looked fabulous and we all enjoyed a glass of sparkling before entering the show... basically we are now considered official Sydney socialites.