Romeo N Juliet

For more than 50 years, the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park has been a summertime institution in Central Park, offering high-quality Shakespeare productions to New Yorkers for free. Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem, would like to see an uptown version of that experience thrive at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park. To that end, CTH is presenting a new production of "Romeo and Juliet" there that is accessible in every sense of the word, from the ticket price (free!) to the lean, muscular adaptation of the Bard's famed tragedy.

Adapted and directed by Justin Emeka, "Romeo N Juliet" transforms the iconic love story into a vibrant urban melodrama set in a modern community troubled by street violence. Though the point isn't overemphasized, the Capulets are clearly a wealthier clan, while the Montagues are working class, perhaps accounting for some of the resentment between the two families.

The young Capulet and Montague men talk tough and wield knives and guns, but they can't be dismissed as common street thugs. Articulate, funny and unfortunately susceptible to the foolishness of youth, these boys are easy to care about, and it's sad to see their terrible fates unfold.

Amidst the strife, Romeo of the Montague family and Juliet of the Capulets meet at a party thrown by Juliet's father and instantly fall head-over-heels in love. The pair marries in secret, but an altercation that leaves Juliet's cousin Tybalt dead -- and his blood on Romeo's hands -- sends Romeo into exile. Meanwhile, Juliet's stern father, unaware that she's already wed, insists she marry someone else.

To escape the wedding and reunite with her true love, Juliet fakes her own death. But the plan goes awry when Romeo finds her and thinks she is truly is dead. It all ends in tragedy for the star-crossed lovers, though there is some hope that their deaths might finally end their families' destructive feud.

The most notable feature of this adaptation of the play is the way it reflects its diverse Harlem neighborhood by making the residents of "fair Verona" part of the African Diaspora. Lilting Caribbean accents, eye-catching costume choices and evocative music selections all form a tapestry recognizable to modern New York City audiences. Other intriguing directorial choices include turning Friar Laurence into Sister Laurence, portraying the apothecary (who provides Romeo with his poison) as a drug dealer, and creating a striking visual of white-clad ancestors watching over Juliet in her family crypt.

Emeka's version of "Romeo and Juliet" is shorter than usual, running less than two intermission-less hours. By cutting down the text to create a laser-like focus on the plot, Emeka ensures that even Shakespeare newbies will be able to follow the story with ease. The production team keeps things lively throughout with fascinating choreography by Lakai Worrell and arresting, fast-paced fight scenes choreographed by Emmanuel Brown (and performed with gusto by the cast).

Refreshingly, the actors cast as Juliet (Natalie Paul, winning and headstrong) and her Romeo (the charmingly passionate Sheldon Best) are actually young enough to be convincing as teenagers, which makes it easier to accept the rashness of their actions. Zainab Jah is a highlight as wise Sister Laurence, Jason Delane is terrifying as authoritarian Lord Capulet, and Ty Jones makes Mercutio utterly convincing as the jokester and sage who lives down the block.

Unlike the better-known Shakespeare in the Park further downtown, there is no need to line up early at Marcus Garvey Park -- at least not yet. If Classical Theatre of Harlem has its way, that will change soon, and the highly appreciative audience is sure to add to the buzz. In fact, on the night I attended, even a sudden rainstorm couldn't dampen their enthusiasm. As the rains came down, they didn't flee the park. Instead, everyone left their seats and gathered at the front of the stage, where they could get a bit of shelter while continuing to enjoy the performance.

Whether you're looking for an engaging introduction to a Shakespearean classic, or anxious to see the old tale told with a new spin, this "Romeo N Juliet" is a great way to spend an evening out in Harlem -- but you may want to bring an umbrella.

"Romeo N Juliet" runs through July 27 at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park, 124th Street & 5th Avenue, in New York City. For information or tickets, call 347-688-6304 or visit www.cthnyc.org.