MCT Gets Five Stars for 'Romeo and Juliet'

The stars were out in full force last weekend with the opening performance of "Romeo and Juliet" by the Murphys Creek Theatre Company.  The summer evening was balmy, the cast delightful and the surroundings breathtakingly serene.  It doesn't get much better than this.

Graham Scott Green, director-producer and one of the founders of Murphys Creek Theatre, did an excellent job hosting the opening night.  His unerring choice of plays and casting are sure to make this fourth season of "Theatre Under the Stars" at Stevenot Winery one of the best yet.  He admits that his "wish upon a star" for MCT has been fully realized thanks to the support of the local communities.

The performers were perfectly cast. Jacqueline Hillsman as Juliet twinkles with youth and innocence, while at the same time giving a performance that shows here considerable Shakespearean background.  Hillsman will continue her studies net fall at Southern Oregon College and is sure to be seen in Ashland soon.

Romeo, played with remarkable ability by Michael Rosa, epitomizes the fidelity and fickleness of youth.  Rosa's reverie for Juliet is believable and honestly heartwarming.  Both Hillsman's and Rosa's good looks and strong performances redefine these star-crossed lovers.

John Gallagher portrays Mercutio with clever expertise.  His performance is witty and playful, and as full of life as Mercutio once was.

Capulet, delightfully played by local veteran actor Michael Mager, struts, bellows and bumbles with flawlessness as Juliet's father.

Sheila Doyle, as Juliet's nurse, blathers on with good humor and frets with matronly concern for her charge.

Jeremy Forbing played the dotish and weak Parris.  It will be interesting to see him play the stronger role of Don John in "Much Ado About Nothing," which plays with "Romeo and Juliet" on alternatiing Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings through August 5.

Accolades also go out to Jack Souza and Sarah Grimes as Montague and Lady Montague, Kim Saunders as Lady Capulet, Scott Manelis Tybalt and Doug Kester as Friar Lawrence.

Susannah Allatt, Stephen Daly, Stan Emmons, Chuck Heinrick, Brooke Lawrence, Mark Leyva, Doug Merrijn, Cyndi Owens, Roxanne Pedro, Joel Roster, Hilary Schwartz, Danny Shepherd and Tom Vannucci round out the fine cast.

Kudos also go to costume designer Melissa Patterson, scenic artist Terri Wilson and set technicians Jay Newington and Mark Wilson.

Impetuous love and stubborn hate are at the core of this time-tested tale, as true today as it was when Shakespeare put quill to parchment.  "Romeo and Juliet" is stellar and a treat for young and old alike, an event not to be missed.