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.
