Walnut Hills High School's ROMEO AND JULIET
Review by Emil Sztanyo, Highlands High School Critic Team
In a decaying inner city, the Capulets and Montagues partake in a drawn-out family feud with deadly consequences. Walnut Hills High School's production of Romeo and Juliet elegantly portrayed the tragic story of two lovestruck youths with a fresh perspective.
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a theatrical classic, following two young lovers caught between rivaling families. After first seeing each other at a party, the pair immediately fall in love, taking drastic measures to be together. However, their families' bitterness towards each other ultimately ends in tragedy. Published in 1597, the tragedy explores themes of love, fate, and identity, quickly becoming one of Shakespeare's most famous works.
Walnut Hills High School's modern interpretation, in particular, created a powerful and enveloping experience for audience members. Creative scenic design and blocking choices made every adaptation to the original script feel natural, all while amplifying the motives and intentions of characters as portrayed by the talented ensemble of actors.
Undoubtedly, the stars of the show were Carter Symon and Adah Mosher, taking on the roles of Romeo and Juliet. Symon's performance balanced youthful naivety with powerful sorrow, engaging the audience through expressive physicality and flawless comedic timing. Mosher, as Juliet, effortlessly captured the hopes and desires through impressive vocal inflection and pacing. Her emotions were resonant throughout the theatre, further bringing the character to life. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, framing the young lovers' passion in a genuine, captivating manner.
While not at the forefront of the show, C.C. Wise's performance of Friar Lawrence should not go unmentioned. Wise presented a commendable level-headedness and controlled manner, contrasting with the presently unfolding chaos, and allowing the outlandish tale to feel more down-to-earth. Additionally, Mercutio, played by Kendra Sullivan, offered a more upbeat view of the story, bringing an essence of energy and earning a surplus of laughter along the way. Together, the two provided crucial catalysts for the show's plot to continue, all while aiding the development of the two star-crossed lovers.
Alongside the compelling storytelling, contributions of the backstage teams were more than apparent. Props, led by Norah Boehm, created an incredibly immersive experience with scene decor that felt realistic and intentional. In addition to what lined the stage, garments that clothed the actors were just as compelling. Costumes, co-designed by Megan Reidy and Amelia Price, showcased brilliant selection and craftsmanship. Multiple handmade pieces were elegantly tailored, such as Juliet's princess dress and Romeo's chain mail, sparking subtle homages while maintaining contemporary style.
Through lighthearted humor, tragic pitfalls, and tightly organized sequences, Walnut Hills High School's production of Romeo and Juliet delivered a memorable performance true to the original message. Both cast and crew worked together seamlessly to deliver a timeless classic, with a contemporary spin, showing how themes of conflict, fate, and love remain just as powerful.
Review by Ava Pursley, Loveland High School Critic Team
As the lights went up on an edgy, urban landscape, a violent street fight ensued in Verona, setting the classic tale of star-crossed lovers into motion in Walnut Hills High School's production of Romeo and Juliet.
The famous tragedy Romeo and Juliet was written by William Shakespeare in the early 1590s. It follows the titular characters as they fall in love with each other despite their families' deep hatred for one another. What starts as a hopeful romance devolves into a heartbreaking conclusion filled with chaos, death, and great sorrow for both Capulets and Montagues alike.
Putting on a Shakespearean play is no easy task. Not only must the actors understand their poetic lines, but they must deliver them in a way so that the audience can understand what is happening in the story. The cast of Walnut Hills' production excelled in this, with each actor bringing clarity and expression to both their speech and physicality. Although this production was set in a contemporary city whilst keeping Shakespeare's original text, the dialogue was natural and full of energy, successfully conveying this timeless tragedy to a modern audience.
Carter Symon, who played Romeo, and Adah Mosher, who played Juliet, masterfully executed these demanding roles with their individual strengths along with believable chemistry in every scene they shared. Specifically, the iconic balcony scene was exceptionally well-done, making Romeo and Juliet's impulsive declarations of love captured teenage awkwardness in an adorable way. Symon and Mosher's acting range was showcased as the play progressed into its second, darker half, as each actor delivered their dramatic monologues with great anguish and despair.
Romeo's mischievous but loyal friend Mercutio, played by Kendra Sullivan, added both humor and depth in her scenes with the Montagues. Sullivan brought playfulness and charisma to this fun-loving character, but it all changed in a moment when Mercutio was shot by the ruthless Tybalt, and her striking death scene left a haunting silence amongst the audience. Additionally, C.C. Wise's portrayal of Friar Lawrence skillfully conveyed the conflicted emotions of a well-meaning yet flawed mentor figure.
Immersing the audience into the world of the play before the first lines were spoken, the set, designed by El Gainer, was both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The use of a darker color palette, hand-painted bricks, and graffiti in the streets of Verona immediately informed viewers that the play did not take place in Renaissance England but rather a modern city similar to urban Cincinnati. Although not as visible as the sets, much of Walnut Hills' production would not have been possible without stage managers Easton Taylor, Aidyn Montgomery, and Adina Morvay. The stage managers' organization and attention to detail allowed the technical elements of the show to run incredibly smoothly.
Overall, Walnut Hills' take on Romeo and Juliet stayed true to the heart of Shakespeare's theatrical work while also bringing a fresh originality to the age-old story that warns against rash decisions and the consequences of unyielding hatred.
Review by Margaret Evenson, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
In a version of Romeo and Juliet where Romeo had headphones around his neck and Juliet wore pink shorts as pajamas, Walnut Hills High School's production of this timeless play told the tragic tale of a pair of lovers who couldn't overcome their parents' strife.
Written by William Shakespeare, the play takes place in Verona where two teenagers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, from rival families become infatuated with each other but believe themselves to be lovers. They secretly marry, but in a series of terrible events, both perish in a double suicide, ending their families' feud with their untimely deaths.
Walnut Hills High School's version of Romeo and Juliet emulated the teenage world in a way only a play designed by teenagers could. From the box of Lucky Charms passed back and forth between Romeo and his friends to the posters in Juliet's bedroom, the cast and crew did a phenomenal job making a play from the 1500s into something fitting the 2020s.
Carter Symon, who played Romeo, wonderfully showed his character's love for Juliet in his longing gazes towards her at the party, and in the way he looked at her as if she was the only person in the world when he saw her in her wedding dress. Additionally, Adah Mosher as Juliet gave a dramatic performance of her character's final moments, violently stabbing herself in the stomach with her dagger and yanking it out with a lethal sense of determination.
Mercutio, portrayed by Kendra Sullivan, danced harder than anyone at the Capulet party, delivering a lively performance that contrasted with the dreary plot of the play. But this character was not just the life of the party - she jumped into a fight to defend Romeo, shouting and swinging her fists, showing no fear over the possibility of losing her life to defend her friend. A different kind of confidence was shown through Levi Singer's performance as Lord Capulet. He made it clear to everyone that it was his way or no way when it came to his daughter marrying Paris, evidenced through his yelling and authoritative poise. However, Singer sat with his head in his hands next to his daughter's body when he believed her to be dead, and heartbreakingly showed that underneath all the anger, he loved Juliet more than anyone in the world.
The set design, by El Gainer, Cordelia Ellis, Kraig Ray, and crew, was inspired by downtown Cincinnati, specifically Avondale. The red brick walls had graffiti on them, with the letters C and M, meant to represent Capulet and Montague, crossed out like urban gang signs might be. Another tech element that came together beautifully were the costumes, done by Amelia Price, Megan Reidy, and crew. During the costume party, each character had a costume chosen for them, and from a ketchup bottle to a Christmas tree, the costume crew made sure it looked like an average high school Halloween party.
In a 21st century version of Romeo and Juliet, Walnut Hills presented a unique story with teen-culture inspired technical choices, a deeply emotional story, and superb and versatile acting.
Excerpts From Other Top Reviews
"Behind the scenes, the costuming team composed of Amelia Price, Megan Reidy, and crew truly brought this narrative to life. Consistent with being a modern retelling, the outfits of all characters were realistic to present-day teenagers. However, each costuming piece was individual to each character. Even more astounding, a few costume pieces, especially those present at the Capulet costume party, were handmade by this team. These pieces, such as Juliet's party dress, mixed imperceptibly with the other outfits to create a coherent jumble of guests."
-Betty Good, Mariemont High School Critic Team
"As the ever-charming Mercutio, Kendra Sullivan bewitched the audience during her energetic performance of the Queen Mab monologue. The sound of her teasing laughter could be heard throughout the theater. Sullivan fully brought out the comedic side of this character, which is no simple task. Conversely, C.C. Wise brought out a caring, but composed, side of Friar Lawrence. His humble posture and demeanor showed the time and care put into the acting choices. Throughout the play, Wise's depiction of Friar Lawrence remained a steady, constant pillar of the story. Similarly, the steady, dedicated ensemble helped the audience to stay fully immersed in the tragedy. From citizens to servants, the ensemble allowed the play to come alive on the stage."
-Isabella Lachman, Holy Cross High School Critic Team
"The actors who portrayed the titular characters, Carter Symon (Romeo) and Adah Mosher (Juliet), delivered brilliant performances. Both actors did a wonderful job of demonstrating the excitement and anxiety that their characters' secret relationship caused for them. Symon and Mosher allowed for their characters' childlike innocence to shine through, highlighting that Romeo and Juliet were written and meant to be portrayed as teenagers, despite how heavy their circumstances were."
-Maria Blaker, Loveland High School Critic Team
"The role of Mercutio was played boldly by Kendra Sullivan. Her unapologetic interactions and fierce line delivery allowed Sullivan to carry the character's wit and humor all the way until her haunting death. Sullivan's brazen performance starkly contrasted with that of many other characters, particularly Benvolio who was brought to life by Amelia Hoops. Hoops stood out for her gentle disposition, defining her loyal and good-natured rendition of the character."
-Ella Adams, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
"The crew's attention to detail truly transformed the stage into Verona. The costume crew, led by Megan Reidy and Amelia Price, designed modern costumes that captured the essence of each character. Most notably, Juliet's princess dress and Romeo's chain mail were handcrafted, each costume complementing the other at the party and foreshadowing their future romance. Additionally, the props crew, led by Norah Boehm, and the set crew, led by El Gainer, amplified the contemporary setting with their detailed work. From the graffiti and signs on the walls to the fairy lights and posters in Juliet's room, the crew brought this classic into the 21st century."
-Anna Parsons, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
"The supporting cast was the backbone of this performance. From the servants to Mercutio, played by Kendra Sullivan, they all played a huge role in making this production successful. The Nurse, played by Aubrey Lowe, gave a well-rounded performance. She showed heartbreak, laughter, and sorrow. Another great supporting role was Friar Lawrence, played by C.C. Wise, who kept the plot moving, and without his character the story would not progress as well as it did."
-Ella Martin, Holy Cross High School Critic Team
"Walnut Hills High School's Romeo and Juliet was an emotional masterpiece told during current-day events. It expressed hidden love and attraction during a time of rivalry and seclusion, while painting the picture of Shakespeare's doomed tale of love and sacrifice for the audience in a way the tale had never been told before."
-Brady Rohrmeier, Seaton and Elder High School Critic Team
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