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Theater Review: 'Romeo and Juliet' at Zombie Joe's

True love, Shakespeare-style, is well represented in North Hollywood.

In all the world there is no sadder tale than that of Juliet and her Romeo.

seems to understand this perfectly. Their production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, running through Oct. 8 in the NoHo Arts District, proves it.

The tale of star-crossed lovers from feuding families gets a traditional yet very Zombie Joe “in your face” staging.

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Denise Devin compassionately and accurately directs possibly the most important play in the history of theater.

No small task, given the beauty but difficulty of Shakespeare’s language. Devin allows her actors the freedom to follow their instincts, yet reins them in enough to allow the audience to comprehend what it is they are seeing.

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As is often the case with a production at ZJU, Romeo and Juliet is wisely, sparingly and economically condensed into an hour.

The only crack in Devin’s vision is unnecessary nudity in one scene that takes away from the truth of the moment.

Devin is strongly aided by a groundbreaking and brilliant performance by Robert Walters as Romeo. Walters’ innate take on what could be the most famous male role ever is breathtakingly romantic, yet dangerously human.

It is without a doubt the best performance this critic has seen so far this year.

Also true to her character is Alexis Justman as Juliet. Justman possesses a rare mix of vulnerability and strength that makes her a perfect bookend to Walters.

Also oiling the engine are Rafael Goldstein as Romeo’s friend Mercutio and Peter Brook Morrison as the Prince and Nurse.

Goldstein possesses an intense presence that most actors can only hope for. His death scene is the highlight of the play.

Morrison’s unusual energy and focus mark a deep and dutiful turn.

Nathan Dean Snyder as Friar Laurence, Curtiss Johns as Benvolio, Jim Cox as Capulet, Georgan George as Lady Capulet and Wallace Bruce as Paris add to the tension, drama and piercing faith that is Shakespeare.

Jeri Batzdorff’s costumes are well-woven into the fabric of the play.

Rarely has anyone written or a theater company more touchingly and movingly presented a work of such resonance and power.

True love is well represented in North Hollywood.

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, at Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., through Oct. 8. The play runs approximately one hour without intermission. Tickets: $15; reservations: 818-202-4120.

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