Helmed by David Leveaux, the contemporary staging of Romeo and Juliet officially opened Sept. 19 after previews that began Aug. 24. Leveaux has staged Arcadia, Cyrano de Bergerac, Nine, The Glass Menagerie and Jumpers on Broadway, among others. The production was selling tickets through Jan. 12, 2014.
As of its Dec. 8 closing, the revival played 27 previews and 93 regular performances.
Critics responded coolly to the modern production of Shakespeare's classic featuring members of the Montague family played by white actors, and the Capulet family played by black actors. Read the reviews here.
This production marked the first time in 36 years that the play had been produced for Broadway. View the Playbill feature, Is She a Capulet? Regina Taylor and Condola Rashad Talk About Playing Juliet 30 Years Apart.
In addition to Bloom as Romeo and Rashad as Juliet, the cast also features Tony Award nominee Jayne Houdyshell (Follies, Dead Accounts) as the Nurse, Tony Award winner Brent Carver (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Parade) as Friar Laurence, Tony winner Chuck Cooper (The Life; Caroline, or Change) as Lord Capulet, Christian Camargo ("The Hurt Locker," "Twilight," All My Sons) as Mercutio, Justin Guarini (Women on the Verge, "American Idol") as Paris, Roslyn Ruff ( The Piano Lesson, "The Help") as Lady Capulet, Conrad Kemp ("The Girl") as Benvolio, Corey Hawkins as Tybalt and Geoffrey Owens as Prince Escalus.
photo by Carol Rosegg |
The creative team included scenic designer Jesse Poleshuck, costume designer Fabio Toblini, lighting designer David Weiner, sound designer David Van Tieghem and hair designer David Brian Brown.
The Richard Rodgers Theatre also underwent an extensive renovation prior to the start of performances. Take a look inside the restoration of the historic theatre here.
According to producers, "In this new production, the members of the Montague household will be white, and the blood relatives of the Capulet family will be black. While race defines the family lineages, the original cause of the ‘ancient quarrel’, passed down by successive generations to their young, has been lost to time. Shakespeare’s dramatization of the original poem sets the two young lovers in a context of prejudice, authoritarian parents, and a never ending cycle of ‘revenge.’ Against this background, the strength of their love changes the world."
The Richard Rodgers Theatre is located at 226 W. 46th Street.
Visit romeoandjulietbroadway.com.