Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

Romeo & juliet (thru June 19)

The world's best known love story, "Romeo and Juliet" written by William Shakespeare is being staged at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, and what a production this is! It is both splendid in appearance to the eye (scenic design by Michael Yeargan, lighting by Rui Rita, costumes by Candice Donnelly) and to the ear (sound design by Scott Stauffer) .The fight choreography (remindful of the Sharks/Jets in "West Side Story, based on this story) is created by Robin H. McFarquhar and what a wonderful bit of stagework this is! Award winning director Mark Lamos has put together a marvelous cast of actors and has brought this play to new heights. He takes the poetry of the script and through his actors makes it easier to understand. Even those who are not Shakespeare lovers enjoyed this production and were able to keep up with the tragic love story. In most cases, when in an audience for a Shakespeare production, we see a few dozers, but not in this one!

The cast is made up of some of Chicago's favorites- Rondi Reed as the nurse gives a spirited performance and Mike Nussbaum does his thing as no other actor can. Robert Petkoff (who was marvelous as George in CST's production of Sunday In The Park With George) is a dynamic Mercutio and Brian Hamman once again proves that he can handle any role. The key players in this story are Romeo (Carmen Lacivita, who after a slowish start came through to make this character one we could feel for) and Julia Coffey, is a remarkable Juliet, making the language of The Bard seem more poetic than ever.Over 60 versions of this story have been told, the love story of two young lovers who will stop at nothing to be together despite the intense rivalry of their families, but none as fine as this.

"Romeo and Juliet" will continue through June 19th with performances as follows: Tuesday-Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 4 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m. Wednesday matinees are at 1 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $48-$65 and are available by calling the theater box office 312-595-5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com

Navy Pier is easy to reach by public transportation and of course the free trolley and there is discounted parking available at the theater.