By DANAE SEEMANN
Time-Standard Writer (August 29, 1985)
ARCATA - The stillness of a redwood forest on a misty night is a perfect setting for a superior production of "Romeo and Juliet." being presented by the Arcata Community Theater Friday through Sunday.
The tragic story of star-crossed lovers is exquisitely directed by Humboldt State University graduate James Floss. He skillfully manages to incorporate the natural setting into the play, a device that helped each scene move smoothly into the next without missing a step.
Some of William Shakespeare's most romantic and well-known lovers' dialogues were passionately brought to life by McKineyville High School students Sam Klein and Jennifer Bainbridge The pair gave a very convincing and moving performance throughout the 2 1/2-hour production.
Strong and compelling performances were also delivered by William Cater Handrich as Benvolio and David Atherton as Mercutio, Romeo's friends, companions and owners of some of the more clever and amusing lines in the play. Frair Lawrence, whose hand plays a major part in the fates of his young friends, is more weakly played by Dan Lamoreaux. Missed and mumbled lines took away from the sincerity of the counsel he offered the young lovers.
Staged squarely in the middle of a redwood grove in Arcata's Redwood Park, the props are lean but effective. Electric lights illuminate the clearing that serves as the stage, and burning torches carried by the cast help light the pitch blackness of the woods.
The audience sits on two sets of bleachers which can accommodate about 100 people in a pinch. The one disadvantage of staging a production in a natural setting is the natural obstacle - trees get in the way of some of the goings-on and one has to lean to either side trying to follow the speaker.
However, the advantages of the location outweigh the discomfort. Armed with a blanket and sitting on cushions provided by the company, one is absorbed in the unhappy tale of Romeo and Juliet as the night envelopes the forest. An added attraction last Saturday was the setting moon, filtering through the tall
redwood trees, shedding its eerie light on the darkened stage.
Music of the period was pleasantly provided before, during and after the program by Steve Berman, Debby Harrison and Tara Twomey. My only complaint - too much at the beginning. I was anxious for the show to begin.
The costumes, designed by Norma Boyd, were a delightful mish-mash of colors and textures that, though not luxurious, gave the show just the right feeling of Olde Worlde-iness.
Sponsored by the Arcata Parks and Recreation Department, the production is the eighth Shakespeare-in-the-Park presentation and includes actors from various local theatre groups. Performances continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. Admission is $3 for students and $4 general admission. Senior citizens are admitted free. Those attending are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a blanket.