Derrick Gaffney is Romeo who instantly falls for Juliet, curing him of the unrequited love for Rosalind. Derrick’s strongest scene comes as he cowers in Friar Lawrence’s residence after murdering Juliet’s cousin Tybalt – Romeo’s reaction being a realistic one of a sensitive young man overwhelmed by the passions and fears raging through his body as unkind fate crashes down on him. Kristen Osborn is Juliet who shares a well-done balcony scene with Romeo and who has good comedic chemistry with her nurse who irritates Juliet with her long, complaining narratives.

Kayla Briggs is good as that talkative, comic relief nurse who enjoys her job keeping an eye on Juliet and keeping an eye on Romeo, even when he is hiding on the other side of Juliet’s bed after their first wedded night. Geoff Scholl is Tybalt who is in a constant state of extreme anger and no doubt would have died soon enough of a perforated ulcer if Romeo hadn’t perforated him first. Kylie Young uses expressions and body language to create Juliet’s vain, narcissistic mother. Jonathan Smith and Lorenzo Landini are Romeo’s best friends Mercutio and Benvolio who bring him up when he’s down, but whose friendship will lead to Romeo’s undoing.

Performs February 15 - 24, 2007.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre