Romeo & Juliet Are Dead

Great Show

Great show! The blend of modern language and Shakespearean iambic pentameter was enjoyable. Great chemistry between the leads, cannot recommend this show enough.

Impressive Framing

As someone who is a Shakespeare nerd, this was a fun post-story story. The familiarity of introducing you to the new story and characters you are about to see, makes it an easy one to get into right away.

Is love enough?

As some others have said, the language is so beautiful. The mix of modern and iambic beats were seamless and it was fun to hear them flip back and forth. The content makes my heart hurt in a good way. You know when you’ve amped up the idea of someone too much, and when you get to know the actual person, they don't compare? These two get to the gut of that feeling, and really make me ask what it takes to love someone for real. Highly recommend coming and seeing this show! If not for Juliet’s chest knife, then at least for the chalk. All the chalk.

Beautiful

This show is so lovely! The writing is amazing and the acting rocks. Go see this show if you wanna see a top notch performance!!!

What now?

Continuing anything where Shakespeare left off is a daunting task, and I believe these two did it justice. While the rhymes don't always live up to Willy himself, what really works is the very human nature of the interaction between Romeo and Juliet. There's some bitter sweetness in this void: as they build up their new world together (in a charming, brilliant use of the theater space), they start becoming disenchanted of the dream versions they held of each other. Much like the end of the Graduate, all the commotion is now passed, and they are left there alone, with each other, asking, "What now?" This leaves me asking what is next for Blinking Eye Theatre and hoping they bring us something again next year.

A fun Tragedy

Probably the most clever continuation of a story I’ve ever witnessed. The characters are familiar and very relatable. Which makes this timeless story’s sequel even more heartbreaking. The dialogue seamlessly flows from contemporary to Iambic Pentameter. I feel only people familiar with Shakespeares text would be able to notice the text from moments of the original. Highly recommended. My only complaint was that it’s too good!

Melancholy and comedy

I loved the show with its perfect mix of melancholic tragedy with modern humor. The staging of the scenes using just spoken words and the consumption a vast ammount of chalk was truly amazing to see first hand.

R&J Reality Check!

This show reclaims the unrealistic aspects of the original Romeo and Juliette love story as the two star crossed lovers realize that lust is not all there is to a relationship! The writing seamlessly integrates Shakespeare into current day conversations regarding relationships - and the acting is FABULOUS. Must see.

As Advertised

A delightful two-person show that explores the reality of a relationship of two kids as the truly come to know each other beyond the introductory mask of teenage crush.

For anyone who knew R&J were rash in High School…

One of the best of the Fringe! I’m surprised I’ve never wondered what might have happened to R&J if they hadn’t committed suicide (sorry for the spoiler), but I didn’t expect such a heartfelt, poignant, and funny story that is also set in verse! The performances, staging, and simple costumes are exceptional. A must see if you’re heading into the Rarig!

TOP SHOW: Highly creative and accessible!

My 2023 Fringe 'top shows' list is small (4 shows out of 26), but R&J Are Dead catapulted onto the list last night. It was 'sort of' on our 'must see' list until we sat next to the performers on the previous day. Wow, they are as charming in person as they are on the stage. We found the work to be highly creative in idea, staging (love the chalk), language (iambic parameter and au courant) and 'preshow.' Don't change a thing! This show will go far.

Hilarity and tragedy and ennui

Shakespeare fan here—I was impressed with the iambic pentameter and blank verse throughout the show as a device to underscore the characters’ arcs. Romeo and Juliet felt very real and very human. The show balances tragedy, comedy, and reflection in a beautiful way. Go see it!

Beautiful show

enjoyed this tale of Romeo and Juliet in the afterlife, with its lovely blank verse and skilled actors making it seem so natural. It could have been trimmed by a few minutes -- it seemed as if it made its point and then kept going. Much this is a minor quibble. The show is well worth seeing.

Breathless Question

Is our love enough? This was possibly my favorite Fringe play so far this season. Bravo to all who made it so inspiring.

Superb!

I saw this show twice! The acting is great, the writing is great! The story touches on relationships and the human condition and is expertly done.

Spot on Shakespeare

The writing was fantastic, and flowed seamlessly in and out of iambic pentameter. Wonderful experience.

an excellent show with an excellent pre-show

what a fun show! great acting, a fun script, and an excellent topic all come together to make ‘romeo & juliet are dead’ a can’t miss. there was such great chemistry between the two leads and an extra excellent pre-show that really set the scene. i can really see this show going somewhere.

Beautiful story brilliantly told

This was one of my favorite shows at Fringe this year (and I've seen a bunch!). The story is a charming, clever, and beautiful examination of Romeo and Juliet's relationship after (spoiler alert?) their deaths. The script was brilliantly written by Riley Parham, with much of it written in meter, and all of it written with an honesty about relationships, young love, and the consequences of rushing into things. The two actors gave fantastic performances, portraying real and contemporary versions of these two Shakespearean characters. If you're looking for a moving, delightful, and professional-quality show to see this year, be sure to catch this one!

10/10 Will See Again

This is such a fun show! R&G Are Dead meets No Exit. I Iove this take on the classic, it is expertly written - seamlessly slipping in and out of prose and verse. Romeo is overly flowery to a fault. Juliet juxtaposes Romeo as the grounding comedic force. The show brings reality to these characters and asks the teenagers, in death, to quickly grow up and face their decisions hastily made in life. I loved the use of the bard’s original text and the twisted way the characters interpreted it. It was very honest in the way two teenagers grappled with falling in love for the first time, and how their reality did not meet their expectations. Similarly to R&G Are Dead, it’s a comedy born from the Shakespearean tragedy. R&J Are Dead doesn’t read like a one act written for fringe, it feels like a fully fledged show I expect to see at a professional regional theatre. Excellent actors (and hand - can’t leave out the hand!) bringing this piece to you. I was engaged the entire time. Come for the story, stay for the comedic timing, enjoy the clever use of props (chalk, anyone?), and leave laughing.

They Pull You In Their World

Great acting and writing. Brought us into the space well. Humor played well. Great chemistry between the actors and plenty of nods to Shakespeare.

Wow! Defied expectations

I thought this play would be a little more farcical, like some other shows I’ve seen in the same venue this season. I was sp pleasantly surprised by this tale of existentialism. The leads have fantastic chemistry, were clearly well-prepared for the extensive lines, and used the space in a very effective way. I’m thoroughly impressed. Highly recommend.

Let Love Rise Again.

I wanted to see the star crossed lovers reunite once again. Very good chemistry between the actors. Leap frog??? Enjoyed my first show of Fringe 30!

Chalk Hand was the MVP

Alternatively funny and tragic, swapping effortlessly from heartfelt pleas to eating chalk. Great start to the festival. The R&J epilogue I never knew I needed!

Purgatragicomedy

Romeo and Juliet not tragic enough for ya, eh? Then buckle up for the epilogue! Clever deconstruction of not only the characters, tropes, and style of the original play, but of larger themes of eternity, identity, and the half-life of love itself. Also revealed: how much chalk can kill you.

Well worth your time

This team created an interesting follow-up to familiar characters with well-thought-out what ifs. The actors were well-prepared and the language alone made the show fun. In my top three of twelve shows.

An underdog show embodies a Great Dane

This review is from seeing show #2. In one sentence: you start with the characters you know and end with people you have been waiting to meet since your first exposures to Shakespeare. In three sentences: any show taking on reinterpretation and addition to classic works is a risk, but this small and mighty team delivers a production that you wished you saw in your youth, keeping you engaged to Shakespeare’s historic reputation. Directorial marks were seamlessly hit, laughs never cheaply came from the audience, and the featured old-age and new-age English language sewed together like a quilt you could wrap yourself in to further empathize with the cold reality bestowed on stage. This is required Fringe attendance because one day, quite honestly, it could make a Shakespeare Festival debuts.

really well acted

comedy, check. good acting, check. questioning your idea of loving forever, yeah, it has that. you could see both sides, romeo’s desperation to hang on, and juliet’s second-guessing. well done!

Best writing and acting in Fringe, and I'm picky

If you like the style and wit of Rosencranz and Guildenstern Are Dead, you'll really like this. The story is creative, the dialogue is in the Shakespearean style in a fun and impressive way, and the acting is professional. I could see this going on to audiences beyond the Fringe. Go see it! I wish them the best luck in going on!

Best writing and acting in Fringe, and I'm picky

If you like the style and wit of Rosencranz and Guildenstern Are Dead, you'll really like this. The story is creative, the dialogue is in the Shakespearean style in a fun and impressive way, and the acting is professional. I could see this going on to audiences beyond the Fringe. Go see it! I wish them the best luck in going on!

Artistically Done!

I tend to hate Shakespearean renditions, especially at The Fringe but this had me intrigued and was getting a lot of buzz. It was great! I liked the physicality and the way they were able to fuse modern day language with iambic pentameter. I was also impressed with the ways in which they addressed love being something more than a fixation. To paraphrase Juliet says- 'Don't use me to fill a void that you have. We both deserve better that.' I wanted to holler- OMG!!! Did I just hear someone share a healthy stance on a romantic relationship out loud in art- in the age of reality TV?!! This is a story of codependency turned deadly- this show was well done!

Love and chalk

I went into this expecting a cutesy little romp about the ridiculousness of head-over-heels infatuation. Instead it was a beautifully crafted, funny and touching exploration of afterlife, familial forgiveness, and whether or not it is enough to love someone. Brutal in places, silly in others, honest in everything, and raw. The language was such a wonderful mix of iambic pentameter and modern colonialism that mirrored the tone and content of the play. My only complaint is that I wanted to see more.

Fantastic

I loved this continuation! It offered a lot of insight into common thoughts and feelings about superficial relationships!

Simply Excellent

Although there is a comedic touch, fans of Shakespeare will appreciate not only the story of Romeo and Juliet continued further but the truly brilliant use of Iambic pentameter to place you in the world. Innovative, entertaining, and moving in so many ways, but go ahead and see for yourself.

Some Clever Lines

It is a two person show with an additional hand offering comic relief and timely chalk. Found the writing authentic in many ways. Acting towards Arena audience was generally done well. Suggest going.

10.10.10.10 Funny & Provocative

The pre-show snagged me immediately and then I was amazed by where the cast and story took me and my imagination - and my heart - with just a piece of chalk!! Good pacing and chemistry between the 2 actors and the writing made me laugh out loud one minute and tugged at my heartstrings the next. Creative how the story drives the use of iambic pentameter until a key moment and then shifts to casual language. Fun and thought-provoking. Definitely a 5+

Romeo and Juliet are full of life!

The name made me put this show first on my list and it delivered! Through all the trials and tribulations, Romeo and Juliet have great chemistry. The writing is beautiful (and easy to understand for non- Shakespeare buffs). They made me laugh and pulled at my heartstrings. While it may be about their afterlife, the parallels to life are insightful and poignant. This is a must see! And - show up early for the pre-show!

A must see!

DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! This show is incredibly witty (so much of it is written in iambic pentameter!!), and also has some great laughs. Definitely make this part of your 2023 festival experience!

Really fun!

Felt like an homage to Tom Stoppard! Funny and poignant.

Reinvigorated Shakespeare

This was such a beautifully acted and interesting adaptation! The energy and chemistry of the two actors and the new tension of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship in the liminal afterlife brought the clever script to life with such tenacity. As someone that was a theater kid that got burnt out on Shakespeare relatively young, this piece resurrected The Bard for me and made me interested in its possibilities again! As many others have been pointing out in the reviews, the flow of different forms of writing worked SO well and gave my brain and heart all the tingles. The chalk was brilliant.