Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliette, Auckland NZ, 2019

Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliette

7th December 2019
The Civic Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Mike Beck. Photography by Chris Zwaagdyk.

Romeo & Juliet has forever been one of William Shakespeare’s most well-known, well-loved and timeless plays. When it was re-imagined in a musical film adaption in the mid 90’s, Romeo + Juliet instantly became chic again. Twenty something years on, the film’s music is brought to life onstage by a host of New Zealand’s finest entertainers, at Auckland’s prestigious Civic Theatre, for two nights only.

Incorporating elements of fashion, musicals, and the theatre, effervescent Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge) modernized Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy with his cinematic re-interpretation in 1996. Rising star Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes played the ill-fated lovers, while the Capulets and Montagues were relocated from Verona Italy to a fictious version of Verona Beach in the States. While a visual blend of fairy-tale and traditional elements were mixed with present day urbanism to great effect, it was the film’s eclectic soundtrack of pop and indie artists, classical and opera that resonated with a global audience. Fast forward to present day, and the music of Luhrmann’s film has been pieced together in its entirety here, with a large-scale production including a full orchestra, choir, contemporary band and a cast of topflight kiwi singers.

With its Arabian themed architecture and prestigious history, the Civic Theatre is the ideal setting for this elaborate production. A service announcement before the performance warned that the music would be loud; that’s what you need! The in-house sound system coped well with this move, additional bass subs allowing for some solid bottom end, without diminishing any clarity for voice.

This large-scale production of Romeo + Juliet’s soundtrack is an ambitious one. It incorporates the films entire original composite score, a selection of pre-existing classic and 90’s pop and rock tunes, supplementary material, sound-bites of the actor’s dialogue and voice-over parts, sound effects, as well as visual clips and stills from the film.

Just as casting for a play, musical or film is crucial, there are some fine choices for this NZ production. The all local selections of Pluto’s Milan Borich, Jon Toogood (Shihad/The Adults), Laughton Kora, Gin Wigmore, Dave Gibson (Elemeno P) and opera soprano Isabella Moore take on the repertoire with plenty of enthusiasm. For the most part, all singers are matched accordingly with songs that suit their register. There’s a lot going on onstage, along with a backdrop of images from the film, the stage is occupied by a thirty-piece orchestra, a twenty plus strong choir, and a six-piece rock band. The backing group features some of NZ’s finest sessions musicians, including; Brett Adams (guitar), Steve Small (piano), Chris O’Connor (drums) and Michael Barker (percussion).

This production of Romeo + Juliet has an edge. Its lush musical three-part mesh of orchestra, choir and band give it a rock-opera like quality. It ebbs and flows, quiet moments of incidental musical instrumentation and interludes are juxtaposed with full-scale renditions of showstoppers. Radiohead’s ‘Talk Show Host’ is reprised as an under-current theme, Borich capturing the darker vibe of this one. Kora, who previously impressed with his role as Judas in the NZ production of Jesus Christ Superstar, is seemingly at home in the world of theatre; not many could embrace ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ as well as he. Gin Wigmore dresses up and adds her sass to a cluster of numbers, while Isabella Moore shines and deservedly holds the shows spotlight moment. And when the collective musical elements of Romeo + Juliet culminate, the payoff lifts Jon Toogood’s rendition of Radiohead’s ‘Exit Music (For a Film)’ to newfound heights.

Given the sheer scale and collective people power of this production, it is a surprise that the music of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet only has a two-performance run. For its colour, uniqueness and kiwi musical icons, attending tonight’s final performance is a must. Oh, and dressing up in themed attire is encouraged by management, because after all, “the world’s a stage, and we are but the characters “(W Shakespeare).

Were you there at The Civic Theatre to witness this magnificent movie soundtrack brought to life? Or have you seen Romeo & Juliette performed live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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