ROMEO & JULIET 3.5*** (out of 4****) “Romeo, Romeo where forth art thou”…well to heck with Romeo, although Kyle Perrin does a fine job as Romeo. This R & J is about the fair maiden Juliet, or I should say, Evan Rachel Wood playing Juliet. And she is absolutely stunning in the part displaying an exquisite beauty and a remarkable and gene loaded gift for acting. Her beauty reminds me of a young but more beautiful Nicole Kidman with the red hair and gorgeous complexion. Her presence is such that whenever she’s on stage it’s as if a spotlight is constantly on her though none is used except once when she surprisingly but wonderfully sings “My Funny Valentine” in the scene at a party gathering where she meets Romeo for the first time.
Her brother, Ira David Wood IV, does double duty as a strong Mercutio and as the Director and succeeds at both. He chose to put the play in a 1930’s setting in Verona, Italy. He uses music for background purposes and mixes the classics with other contemporary songs such Dean Martin’s “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes”. ERW’s dad, Ira David Wood III, plays her father, Lord Capulet, and does his usual fine job. Lastly, as an interesting touch, the Director added a neat ending to the production…as the actors are taking their bows to a standing ovation, the somber mood is changed to upbeat by the playing of the 1964 song “(Just Like) Romeo and Juliet” by the Reflections..a one-hit wonder group.
BRAVO to Evan Rachel Wood and her brother and father and the rest of the very fine cast…Shakespeare would be proud.

Although the production continues its run through Tuesday, May 19, unfortunately it is sold out…however if you have a chance at getting a ticket, grab it and go, and if you have that chance and do not want to go, PLEASE contact me as I know at least six people who are dying to go.

CREDITS for EVAN RACHEL WOOD:
1. In Raleigh : The Ghost of Christmas Past in “A Christmas Carol” and Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker”..all before she was 10 years old.
2. After move to California:
a. TV: “Once and Again”; “Little Secrets”; “”Practical Magic” and “S1m0ne”
b. Movies; some, but not all: “Thirteen”; “Pretty Persuasion”; “Down in the Valley”; “Running with Scissors”; “Across the Universe” and “The Wrestler”.
c. Forthcoming: Woody Allen’s new film, “Whatever Works’” with Larry David; and on Broadway in the musical version of “Spiderman” where she’ll play the part of Mary Jane, the girlfriend of Spiderman..scheduled for July-August, 2009.