Romeo and Juliet

Reviewed by Julia Stier
Group Repertory Theatre
Through October 14

Group Repertory Theatre transports the characters of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from Verona to Berlin in the 1930s. Director Shira Dubrovner uses the classic text to explore race relations between Germans who stood with the Nazi party and Germans who were Jewish.

In many productions of Romeo and Juliet, the hatred between the families is never really explained. However, in this one it’s pretty obvious: The Capulets are a Jewish family in an increasingly anti-Semitic Germany, while members of the Montague family, Romeo included, wear swastika armbands.

Ironically enough, where this tragedy excels is in its comedy. As Benvolio, Emily Barnett is a standout, and the most captivating performer onstage. The playful rowdiness between Benvolio and the lively and energetic Mercutio (Kyle deCamp) breathes laughter and life into the show and imbues it with a sense of youthfulness. Nurse Bubby (Janee Hull) is endearingly comedic as she rambles and roams and gets caught up in Juliet’s excitement.

The striking Mike Bingaman and sweet Savannah Schoenecker play the titular characters. The house of Montague is comprised of Lady Montague (Cheryl Crosland), Montague (Doug Haverty), and Balthazar (Joseph Marcelo). Capulet (Patrick Burke), Servant (Rebecca Driscoll), Tybalt (Heston Horwin), Lady Capulet (Belinda Howell), Gregory (Sina Pooresmaeli), and Rosaline (Kristin Towers-Rowles) make up the house of Capulet.

This is a thought-provoking take on a classic tale that reflects a chilling time in history. However, there are a couple of moments that don’t quite add up. For example, Romeo, a member of the Nazi party, is extremely close with Gypsy Lawrence (Mark Atha), a member of a community that the Nazis also targeted. If Romeo is already friendly with the people he is supposed to oppress, it robs him of the opportunity to decide that his love for Juliet, a Jewish girl, is stronger than the ideologies he’s been fed.

Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; through Oct. 14. www.thegrouprep.com. Running time: two hours with a 15-minute intermission.