BSF vivifies Shakespearean romance
With this rendition of Romeo and Juliet, Pat Diamond makes his BSF debut as director. His extensive r5fsum5f includes experience at the Yale School of Drama (where he received his directing degree), Maryland Opera Studio, Manhattan Theater Club, the Aspen Music Festival and various off-Broadway venues. A talented group of highly experienced theatrical performers take the stage. The Festival could be proud to welcome actors like Rosemary Knower, in the role of Juliet’s nurse. An acclaimed theatre and movie actress, Knower has starred in all of John Waters’ films since Hairspray. Katherine E. Hill, a recent Catholic University graduate, makes her BSF debut as Juliet, and James Flanagan returns to the BSF, where he previously appeared in As You Like It, this time playing Romeo.
The BSF’s production of Romeo and Juliet has a perfect balance of action, romance, humor and tragedy. The play has numerous well-choreographed fight scenes. Lewis Shaw, combat choreographer, is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors. The sword fighting was far from being cheesy or amateur, and each of the combat scenes is believable and well-executed. Shaw feels that it’s important for the actors to commit to their roles by completing professional training and combat certification.