Romeo & Juliet - Collide

Photo: Alexis Lund

Well, Collide Theatrical Dance Company has done it again. Regina Peluso, and Jarod Boltjes (as the assistant director and choreographer) have taken the Romeo & Juliet story, set it in a Steampunk style, and tell the story all through dance. It is a wonderful show, and perfectly romantic...with a touch of violence and death. There is so much beautiful dance in this work. 

The work starts with Mercurio (Noah Coon) setting the stage for us, giving us the location, introducing the two families, and then letting the story begin. I found this to be really helpful because due to the Steampunk nature of the costumes, almost everyone is in black. There are subtle hints of color but it was nice seeing visually at the start who was part of what family. The one character that stood out was The Friar (Heather Brockman). She set the clocks moving, and was essential to the story - while also being a bit outside of the story. On the sides of the families you have Mercutio, Benvolio (Emily Rose Phelan), Lord and Lady Montague (Johanna Engebretson & Bailey Renee Miller), the Montague Ensemble (Caleb Hale & Julie Hatlestad), and Romeo (Patrick Jefrey). The other side is led by Tybalt (Jarod Boltjes), Norah (Megan Carver), Lord and Lady Capulet (Peter Hoffman & Bella West), the Capulet Ensemble (Sarah Potvin), and Juliet Capulet (Alison Bartels). You could also put the dastardly Paris (Nathan Huberty) on this side as he is the intended of Juliet. 

Photo: Alexis Lund

The story is clearly told, with a great selection of songs that help voice the inner voices of the characters, or set the mood for the portion of story that it underscores. The choreography is a perfect mix of classic ballet, modern, pop, and tap. This is one constant thing I truly appreciate about Collide - they mix things up so seamlessly in terms of dance styles and music, while still being so focused on the story telling. It is magic to experience. The casting in this show was perfect. Everyone was dancing full out, yet also utilizing their own talents to highlight the roles. For example, Mercutio and Benvolio both integrated tap dance into their roles. Romeo had more pop-movements, Paris had his jumps, Tybalt had his very strong style of modern and classical dance, while the Friar had the long body lines. You may need to experience it to fully understand but it is all stunning and gorgeous. I really enjoyed seeing Juliet dance en pointe in her first solo. 

Costuming was perfect, as always. Romeo and Juliet were both in white through out the first act. When they got together, Juliet still wore white with red undertones, while Romeo changed into black pants, and a white shirt with black and red. Perfect way to show that they are different people now that they have experienced true love, and also a physical love. There are a number of fights in this work, and the fight choreo was spectacular...especially in Act Two. It seemed chaotic because different pairs of dancers were doing different choreography but it all worked together so well. Then the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt happen, and everything seems to slow into a very focused moment. 

The set was made of two moving staircases, used perfectly. They came together when needed, were used in a couple different ways, and never unnecessarily. Even when cast members would come on with set pieces, or move props, not a single movement was wasted. It felt natural, and the stage is consistently filled with gorgeous visuals. If you have never seen a work by Collide, and if you feel like you don't really understand dance or ballet - trust me and go see this show. It will make sense, and you will have a great time!