Center Theatre Group's North American premiere of Matthew Bourne's Romeo + Juliet left audiences in awe. The highly-anticipated production, which took place at the Ahmanson Theatre, received a well-deserved standing ovation. After the final bows were taken, the acclaimed actress Melissa McCarthy and renowned filmmaker Adam Shankman, who attended the show together, remained seated for an additional 10 minutes, visibly moved by the performance.
Shankman, known for his background in dance and choreography, expressed his admiration for Bourne's work. He described the performance as 'magnificent' and praised Bourne for consistently exceeding expectations. Shankman was particularly impressed by the unexpected and surprising twist given to the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. He compared the experience to sorcery and magic, highlighting the emotional connection it evoked within him. Shankman mentioned how rare it is for a production to move him in such a profound way, stating that it was a remarkable feat.
McCarthy, still wiping away tears, struggled to put her feelings into words. She described the production as overwhelming, beautiful, and relevant to today's world. McCarthy emphasized how Bourne's rendition of Romeo + Juliet took a story that may seem distant and made it relatable to every individual. She praised the ability of the performance to touch people on a deep emotional level, highlighting this as the true purpose of art.
The audience comprehension and connection to Bourne's work was not limited to Shankman and McCarthy. The show attracted a diverse crowd, including well-known figures such as Tony Award winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita, talented dancer Dule Hill, Peter Paige, Oscar winner Dan Jinks, Daniel Franzese, and many others.
Before the curtain fell, Snehal Desai, the artistic director of Center Theatre Group, took a moment to recognize the passing of legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera, who had previously graced the Ahmanson Theatre stage. Desai expressed gratitude for Rivera's artistry and the impact she had on the theater community.
Matthew Bourne, the renowned British choreographer and dancer, is known for his unique interpretations of classic stories and musicals. Some of his notable works include adaptations of My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, Edward Scissorhands, Sleeping Beauty: A Gothic Romance, and Swan Lake. Romeo + Juliet, directed and choreographed by Bourne, featured music by Terry Davies, based on the original score by Sergei Prokofiev. The production was presented in association with Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center, the New Adventures creative team, Sadler's Wells, and Arts Council England.
The fact that Bourne consistently looks to Los Angeles as a destination for his productions speaks volumes about the city's standing in the global dance community, according to Shankman. He believes that dancing is not only appreciated in New York but struggles to find its place elsewhere. However, Bourne's shows consistently flourish in Los Angeles, a testament to the intelligence and inventiveness of his work. McCarthy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the overwhelming beauty and relatability of Bourne's productions.
The run of Romeo + Juliet, which began on January 28th, will continue until February 25th. Center Theatre Group provides a platform for Bourne's exceptional artistry, inviting audiences to experience the power of his work firsthand.
