RJ : A Rock Musical

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (‘RJ’) gets a modern and musical adaptation, as performed by the Musical Youth Company of Oxford.

Romeo and Juliet is one of the world’s best know tragedies, and audiences will find comfort in recognising the original prose interwoven with new lines and in musical numbers. The cast is impressively large, with over twenty actors each in the Montague and Capulet groups, which in turn makes for some very impressive musical numbers. The scene of the ball at the Montague House even gets the audience members involved, which is well worth a laugh.

In contrast to the more elaborate productions one often gets with Shakespeare, RJ is stark and simple. A bizarre sculpture, half woman, half man, and painted red and blue is the centre piece for streets of Verona scenes, whilst a plain cross is the only prop for the Church scenes. The set relies mainly on colours – red for Montague and blue for Capulet – mirrored on each side of the stage. This theme is also reflected in the costumes, and is becomes especially poignant when Romeo and Juliet change from their respective colours in to matching pink.

Romeo (Anthony Ilott) and Juliet (Lara Chaitow) really do shine as star crossed lovers – packing and extraordinary amount of emotion into the balcony scene and their tragic end in the tomb. By contrast, the nurse (Nicola Baker) and the friar (Iain Blackwell) are the comedic entertainment and pull off the character roles well. Interestingly, Mercutio and Tybalt are both played by women, adding another modern twist.

Vocally, there are a number of real gems with fantastic talent. The cast is generally quite strong, though in this performance they were in a few instances overpowered by the orchestra and let down by the microphone system, which cut out a few times.

RJ: A Rock Musical is playing at St Edwards school from 3 – 7 of April. The performance starts at 7.30 and runs 2.5 hours including interval, Tickets £10.

Kate Bottriell (Unverified), 04/04/07

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It is an awesome musical, the audiance is captured from the start and the talent of the actors is immense. The musical shows that it is not extraordinary props that are important but the quality of the acting, singing and the director. Loved it!

Ben H (Unverified), 06/04/07

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I think that RJ was fabulous, every member of the cast were brilliant and I especially liked Balthazar, Sam and the first gospel singer!

Well done to all!!!

C.Redman (Unverified), 06/04/07

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A very good evening's entertainment.

Being a brand new show one was very unsure as to what to expect but I really did enjoy the show. Some great new tunes and some good performances from a very young comapny. Particular highlights were the balcony scene which included some wonderful use of the Bard's original text, and the ball scene.

The simple set worked very well and the struts and towers were used to maximise the overall look of the piece.

Having been lucky enough to see the last few shows performed by the Musical Youth Comapny it is great to see them carrying on with the wonderful work they have started whilst taking 'risks' and trying new exciting projects. All in all the cast and production company should be congratulated.

ARB (Unverified), 04/04/07

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