Shakespeare was abruptly immersed in a crowd or festive gathering.
In theatres now, "Juliet & Romeo," a musical adaptation by Timothy Scott Bogart, offers a fresh take on Shakespeare's classic tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet." The production has received generally positive reviews, particularly praising its visuals, choreography, and innovative music style.
The musical sets the story in the 1300s Verona, but presents it through a modern pop-ballad musical style rather than traditional Shakespearean theatre. The music producer, Evan Kidd Bogart (Timothy’s father), contributed to the film's original songs, providing a unique pop music spin. The film maintains the classic tale but adds spectacular period details, lavish production, and a style somewhat reminiscent of "Moulin Rouge," aiming for a younger and broader musical audience.
One review noted the focus slightly shifting towards Juliet ("perhaps that's why it's called Juliet and Romeo"). Clara Rugaard's portrayal of Juliet is natural and genuine, while Romeo, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, maintains a languid expression throughout the film, like a model in a perfume ad. However, Count Paris, who looks more like a thug, chases Romeo around the Capulet castle and tries to beat him up, adding an unexpected twist to the character.
The musical numbers in the film are indistinguishable, unmemorable, droning pop ballads. The dialogue, contemporary and replaced from Shakespeare's verse, sometimes results in awkward lines exchanged between Juliet and Romeo, as if they've just met at the marketplace. Veteran British actors Everett and Aykroyd are almost indistinguishable from the furniture in their silks and velvets.
The historical accuracy of the costumes and sets in the film is questionable. The tale of Romeo and Juliet, as presented in the musical, is no longer a tragedy but still deeply saddened Yulia Shagelman. Mercutio challenges Tybalt to a duel because he thinks he killed Romeo, and Romeo sneaks under Juliet's window in broad daylight, when servants are bustling about preparing a ball. The authors of the musical have added songs, dances, and plot twists not present in the original play, such as the introduction of the Guelphs and Ghibellines to set up a conflict between a "king of Rome" and the Roman pope.
In summary, "Juliet & Romeo" offers a visually stunning and choreographically impressive adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, with a contemporary pop-ballad musical style. While some critics have noted issues with the music's effectiveness and historical accuracy, the production has been praised for its strong acting performances, especially from the actress playing Juliet, and its aim to make the classic story more accessible to a younger and broader audience.
[1] The Guardian, "Juliet & Romeo review – a pop-ballad musical with a contemporary twist", link [2] The Hollywood Reporter, "Juliet & Romeo: Film Review", link [3] Variety, "‘Juliet & Romeo’: Film Review", link [4] Screen Daily, "Juliet & Romeo review – a star-crossed pop musical", link
- This modern pop-ballad adaptation, titled "Juliet & Romeo," cleverly blends the story of Shakespeare's classic tragedy with a 1300s Verona setting, showcasing it through the lens of contemporary entertainment such as movies-and-tv.
- The musical numbers in "Juliet & Romeo" bear a resemblance to the contemporary music style of movies-and-tv, offering a fresh take on the classic tragedy and aiming to appeal to a younger and broader musical audience.
