FEBRUARY 1982-HIGH GEAR Page 11

Romeo & Juliet: a vigorous production

by R. Woodward

Romeo and Juliet, on view at The Cleveland Play House, is a vigorous, and fast-paced production remarkable for how clearly the characters' interactions are kept in focus. .

There is a particularly fine performance by Richard Halverson in the relatively brief, but pivotal role of Capulet, Juliet's father. Halverson makes it obvious that Capulet is a doting parent and that watching Juliet's future unfold is the main focus in his life. Late in the play, when Capulet reviles Juliet and says that she is disowned if she will not marry the husband he has chosen, Halverson's fit of selfish anger is convincing

without slowing the pace.

As Mercutio, James Richards gives an energetic performance. Richards, a fencing instructor, and director William Rhys have come with swordplay that is exciting.

Morgan Lund and director Rhys deserve high praise for presenting Romeo as written. Romeo is not a swashbuckling, macho hero, but a sensitive 16 or 17 year old. In playing the part, Lund uses a light voice and slightly effeminate manner, and has sense to portray a character who is hyperemotional.

Sharon Bicknell is a persuasive as Juliet, especially since girls of that time period

Broke?

Everyone's favorite contemporary social activists, the Moral Majority, is more than $500,000 in the red according to a recent Associated Press report. The new right , organization doubled its annual revenue from $2.21-

million to $5.77 million, but spent $6.12 million during the year, leaving a $352, 938 deficit. Added to last year's deficit of $205, 697, it appears the group may be in for some hard times. What goes around comes around.

matured very early. Juliet has a large range of emotions, and Bicknell communicates this without any tricky mannerisms.

Some critics doubt that Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy. Most playgoers viewing this

production will be too devastated to think otherwise.

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