Leslie Gibson
Rockwall-Heath graduates Travis McClung and Rachael Bower play the leads in “Romeo and Juliet”, by William Shakespeare, produced by Tim Shane at Dallas Hub Theater, and directed by David Kelting.
Performances run each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 22.
It is a shortened version, with some dialogue removed by David Hundsness, to breeze through parts that often drag for modern audiences, yet keep all of the blood, violence and romance.
It is set in a spare, modern stage, described by one of the production’s choreographers as a “stark wooden world that feels a little bit urban and little bit country.”
A trashcan and two long, rectangular black boxes are shifted about by the cast to set up a street fight, a party, and dramatic conversations.
Wooden scaffolding serves as the balcony for the famous “parting is such sweet sorrow” scene.
The Elizabethan dialogue, modern clothing of “big box” store look, and bits of modern mannerisms, are natural expressions of the relatively young actors and thus facilitate the quick and believable mounting of tension to the famous ending.
The Herald-Banner asked Shane if he felt the relative coordination of ages with roles helped the performances.
“I do think it’s much more appealing to have actors playing characters that they actually have the life experience to back up,” Shane said.
For those recognizing his name, it may from Shane’s days on board the Texas Queen Riverboat, which used to be on Lake Ray Hubbard.
He said, “I am originally from Chicago, but landed in the area and graduated from Lakeview Centennial. After college at Texas Christian University, I began doing interactive comedy murder mysteries aboard the Texas Queen Riverboat as far back as 1994.”
For two years now he has led workshops at Rockwall-Heath High School and works with Leigh Reed, the theater teacher, serving on the committee for Centerstage.
“There’s a lot of talent and opportunity in Rockwall especially with all the new development,” he said.
“The talent that we are seeing in our local arts scene can match and often exceed the talent currently in New York City, or touring through,” he said.
But thinking too modestly of it is a trait of local audiences, he believes, and many people think of artistic disciplines a hobbies, he said, rather than professions.
“There are so many famous stars right from our area, and by supporting your local artists you can be helping the next star rise,” he said.
“Having said that, there is entirely too much focus on competition. I’ve had many dance instructors tell me that dance in Texas is a sport and not an art form. Sometimes it’s not about the ‘best’ — it’s about the journey. For audience members it is what resonates with you.”
Performances go through Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Dallas Hub Theater is located at 2809 Canton St., Dallas. The phone number is 214-749-7010.
