Classical Theatre of Harlem – Shakespeare in the Park

The show was a great! The modern adaptation of the classic Romeo and Juliet made it more accessible to current audiences and the contrast of modern clothing and behaviors with the words of Shakespeare was so creative. The lead actors, Romeo and Juliet were very convincing in showing their young love and the dilemmas and challenges with their families. I was quite touched and got goosebumps and felt sad when they died. :(
The fight scenes were really intense especially the scene with Juliet and her father. The actor who played Juliet’s father did such a great job in expressing the emotions of the character.
It was great to have the ensemble dance during the transitions and when the set had to be moved around. It was a welcomed distraction and flowed very well with the show. The last scene with the three dancers in white clothing during Romeo and Juliet’s death was paired so fantastically. It created an interpretive movement aspect to the scene and added a lot of depth and it was just really pretty to watch.
I enjoyed the choice of music especially with some of Lauryn Hill and Tupac’s music.
I would highly recommend watching this play without reservations. It is free! Great and diverse actors, diverse audience, and located at the Marcus Garvey Park on a nice summer evening.

After going to wait in like for Shakespeare in the park at 7am only to find out that the line was ALREADY too long, we stumbled upon an article referencing the OTHER Shakespeare in the park put on by the Classical Theatre of Harlem. I admit, i was extremely skeptical and only went out of frustration with trying to get tickets in central park.
This is the second year that the Classical Theatre of Harlem is putting on Shakespeare in Marcus Garvey Park (quick walk from both the 4÷5÷6 and the ²⁄₃). Much like the Central Park version, this is also a free play, and this year they are showing Romeo and Juliet (Unlike the Central Park version, I was able to get there 20 minutes early and get a good seat). To say it exceeded my expectations is a HUGE understatement. I like Shakespeare, but sometimes have a tough time following the plot with the shakespearian language. Never have I heard the words spoken so strongly. The actors had a way or speaking/​acting that made each word breathtakingly real and powerful. I have seen Romeo and Juliet before, but I have never seen it with such passion, and it has never felt so real. I left in awe, happy I didn’t get tickets to Much Ado.
Do yourself a favor and check this out. Hopefully it will be a new Harlem tradition that comes back every year. Romeo and Juliet runs through ⁷⁄₂₇.