PrideArts’ ‘Shakespeare’s R & J’ Is A New Twist On A Classic

Shakespeare’s R & J is a contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Set in modern day, this play delves into the themes of passion, prejudice, and sexuality in surprising and engaging new ways.

For many people, the idea of seeing Shakespeare can be daunting. There may be worries that the words feel old, the topics are dated, or that it’ll be a dry experience. In PrideArts’ new production of Shakespeare’s R & J,  you can let all of those worries fade away.

Originally produced off-Broadway in New York in 1999, PrideArts’ staging is the first fully staged professional production of this award-winning play in Chicago in 14 years.

Shakespeare’s R & J is the story of four private school teens who secretly embark on a quest to perform a discovered copy of Romeo and Juliet. The experience goes through highs and lows for all of the students, bringing out the joy, frustration, anger, passion, and vulnerability in their own lives, but through the words of Shakespeare.

With a strong ensemble of four, including Madelyn Strasma, Luz Espinoza, Hannah Eisendrath, and Isabel Lee Roden, this PrideArts production is a cross between Dead Poets Society and But I’m A Cheerleader. Clad in mostly pink and facing the questions of sexuality, freedom, and autonomy, these characters squirrel away in a room overnight. Using a variety of items that they find in the school attic, they dive deep into Shakespeare and everything that the words summon.

In the PrideArts’ black box theater, Amber Mandley, the director, makes the most of every inch of the space. With an inviting set, including usable staircases, a large window, and various props, the actors run, slide, play, and have physical altercations all over. The lighting choices help to invoke and enhance both the time of day and emotions of the scenes and the layered costumes get used creatively as well.

The thing about Shakespeare is that if the players understand what they are talking about, the audience understands as well. This cast understands not only the material, but how their characters relate to the material and what it could mean for their own lives.

The PrideArts’ production of Shakespeare’s R & J is funny, engaging, thought-provoking, and heartfelt. Running for about 2 hours (including an intermission), and with its own spin on a classic story, you’ll definitely see things from a perspective that you may not have thought of before.

PrideArts Center: Shakespeare’s R & J Review – Shakespeare’s R & J is playing at the PrideArts Center through 3/24/2024. Tickets can be purchased through the PrideArts website. PrideArts Center is located at 4139 N. Broadway in Chicago, IL.