Niall Cunningham, Carmen Berkeley, and Carman Lacivita Photo by T. Charles Erickson

Bensussen's vision of the romantic tragedy occurs in an open, immense area, and, given Dan Kotlowitz's initial lighting, earth colors envelope the vast space, which carries from floor to ceiling. It is an enormous performance asset. Later, more multi-colored mural-like hues reveal the detail of large hands across the rear backdrop. This is a new clarity for observers whose eyes were accustomed to the softer coloration. The Capulets and Montagues, two Houses, have forever feuded. Romeo, who is the Montague heir, falls in love with fetching Juliet, a Capulet daughter. The two don't actually meet until the conclusion of the first act and everything else follows within five days.

Romeo and Juliet spot one another at an incandescent Capulet ball ,even if Romeo was in disguise. Flash forward to the balcony scene when Juliet becomes plaintive with her familiar classic question: "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" They exchange poetic, emotional words, absolutely smitten with one another. Carmen Berkeley's Juliet and Niall Cunningham's Romeo are so easily and galvanically drawn to one another, that the oftentimes stylized back-and-forth is effortlessly natural. Bensussen has wisely cast performers who are able to embody teenagers; their relationship is not so much sexualized as Romeo and Juliet seek ideal complements.

Another wise casting choice is Carman Lacivita, who plays Friar Laurence, coming across as smart yet a bit edgy. The man, who counsels the youthful lovers, is oftentimes portrayed as (at first) an aged, calm influencer. Lacivita (with a resume including Hartford Stage, Broadway, Off-Broadway and much more) is lively, but Friar Laurence's planning leads to despair.

Carmen Berkeley is an especially appealing Juliet. She is eager, willing, ardent, and audacious. The actress, with Off-Broadway, regional theatre, television, and film credits, is performing at Hartford Stage for the first time. She is most physical, often barefoot, with an array of facial expressions as well as hand and arm gesturing. She is the star of the evening, a treat to behold as she races around and about. Niall Cunningham brings vitality and enthusiasm to the role. He has appeared, too, on TV and film, Off-Broadway, and at the Goodman Theater.

William Shakespeare was around thirty years of age when he wrote this play and Romeo and Juliet, considered a tragedy which is ultimately dark and sorrowful, also provides moments of laughter and happiness. The title characters hope and intend to lead glorious, sweet lives together and perhaps transcend suffering. They fully intend to move forward despite opposition from their families and the world. They are, alas, unable to control destiny. Shakespeare, in his prologue to the play, wrote "A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life." These two soul mates were doomed from the start.

The play is about extremes as the exuberant lovers are dealing with individuals such as Juliet's father, Lord Capulet (Gerardo Rodriguez), and Mercutio (Alejandra Escalante), who is Romeo's good friend. These are societal roles. Romeo and Juliet, young, passionate, and trusting, focus upon one another.

Bensussen takes risks and has mounted a captivating and oftentimes radiant production. Her spin on the play is artistically distinctive and awakening as she sensitively sculpts the show. She fully honors the poetry of the text, reaches for imagery associated, for example, with death, admits that the protagonists are victims, but presents with beauty. In fact, until the final portion, this Romeo and Juliet is not only tragic but also beckoning. It certainly lends itself to post-theater conversation after the curtain as fallen.

Romeo and Juliet runs through May 18, 2025, at Hartford Stage, 50 Church St., Hartford CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-527-5151 or visit hartfordstage.org.