Romeo & Bernadette

 Romeo & Bernadette
Theater 555
June 25, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Romeo & Bernadette

Romeo & Bernadette is a funny and touching imagining of what happens if the poison Romeo drinks to kill himself at the end of Shakespeare’s classic play is merely a strong sleeping potion.  Mark Salzman’s book and lyrics are phenomenal.  He is strong and bold in his character development.  The music is adapted from classic Italian melodies.  The concept for the show is sharp and original.  Director/choreographer Justin Ross Cohen builds the action and punches every laugh in Mr. Salzman’s brilliant writing.  From the  minute the show starts you are brought into a dual layered plot.  Brooklyn 1960, and Verona 1596.  Both stories are driven by love and full of violent obstacles.

Nikita Burshteyn & Michael Notardonato
Photo courtesy of Romeo & Bernadette

    It is 1960 and we are watching the final scene of a Brooklyn Community Theatre production of Romeo & Juliet.  To prove his sophistication to his date (played by Ari Raskin), a Brooklyn Boy (played by Michael Notardonato) tells her that the story doesn’t end there. Romeo did not actually drink poison.  Instead he drank an extra strong version of the Friar’s sleeping position.  When Romeo (played by Nikita Burshteyn) revives, it is 1960.  He searches for Juliet in this new, modern world, and meets Bernadette Penza (played by Anna Kostakis).  She is on vacation in Verona, Italy with her parents, Camille (played by Judy McLane) and Sal (played by Carlos Lopez), who is a New York mob boss.  Romeo thinks she is Juliet, and follows her to Brooklyn, only to find that she is engaged to Tito Titone (played by Zach Schanne), who works for Bernadette’s father.  Tito puts a hit on Dino Del Canto (also played by Michael Notardonato), the son of Don Del Canto (played by understudy Charlie Marcus), who is Sal Penza’s rival.  Romeo saves Dino’s life during the hit attempt, so Dino vows to help Romeo find his love, Bernadette/Juliet.  When Don Del Canto hears of Romeos brave action, he adapts him as his second son.  The Del Canto’s find out that Romeo’s love is the daughter of their rival, and try to talk him out of searching for her.  Romeo doesn’t listen to them, and finds himself in the middle of another dangerous family dispute.

Judy McLane & Anna Kostakis
Photo courtesy of Romeo & Bernadette

The entire cast is outstanding.  They are fully in sync.  Their comic timing is excellent and their strong voices bring the emotional songs to beautiful fruition.  Nikita Burshteyn and Anna Kostakis have a lovely romantic connection as Romeo and Bernadette.  Michael Notardonato’s Dino Del Canto has a strong chemistry with his love interest, Donna Dubachek (played by Ari Raskin).  Most of the plot of these four characters progresses through song, and these four skilled actor/singers make the most of every moving and humorous moment.  Another powerful vocalist in the cast is Judy McLane.  Her portrayal of Camille Penza is bold, brassy, and hilarious.  There are equally strong performances by Charlie Marcus, Zach Schanne, Carlos Lopez, Viet Vo, and Troy Valjean Rucker, who plays numerous and distinct sidesplitting characters.

Photo courtesy of Romeo & Bernadette

Joseph Shrope’s costume design is outstanding.  The wardrobe is colorful, true to period, and perfect for each character.  The set, by Walt Spangler, is a simple and effective use of space and level.  The scaffolding design allows for numerous surprises when least expected.  

Romeo & Bernadette has just been extended through July.  Get a ticket right away while they last.  It is a unique, entertaining, and romantic adventure.  You don’t want to miss it! 

Domenick Danza