Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Pretty Poison

“My only love, sprung from my only hate!” That’s the kind of romantic angst any teenager, or anyone who’s been one, can appreciate. But with its ferocious wordplay and resonant theme of a city torn by feuding factions, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet gives mature minds plenty to chew on, too. No wonder it’s inspired so many modern interpretations. This one, a collaboration of New York’s Guthrie Theater and the Acting Company, has a Roaring ’20s look and an antic tone — it’s all fun and games until the swords come out. Reviewers of past performances single out William Sturdevant as Romeo’s bud Mercutio for praise; Tad Simons of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine says he “kicks into a weird sort of acting hyper-drive where he’s channeling Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock all at once.” Come for the romance, stay for the bromance — and see why the New York Times calls the production “unleashed and intense.”