Toronto Fringe Review: JULIET: A Revenge Comedy

Photo by Pink Monkey Studios with treatment by Kurt Firla

Romeo and Juliet is a true classic, but everyone could use a bit more light in their love stories. That is where Juliet: A Revenge Comedy swoops in, whisking the audience away to a land where the feisty damsel-turned-heroine can live long and take charge.

For everyone lacking in their Shakespeare trivia, it all begins with a handy recap of the plays referenced within Juliet: A Revenge Comedy. The audience is immediately immersed into the modern world of Shakespeare as the crowd is encouraged to cheer along with Shakespeare himself (Bruce Horak) before tumbling into a condensed re-enactment of the star-crossed lovers. This compelling performance is subsequently interjected by sudden revelations from the newly-wed and certainly not deceased Juliet (Lili Beaudoin).

Complementing Beaudoin’s frazzled facade, is the frenetic sound and lighting. Designed to impress, the lighting works as a support, consistently setting the mood and selling the scene. The music doesn’t stray far, introducing classic tunes fitting of the awkwardly hilarious situations. However, the music occasionally overpowers the dialogue, creating some technical bugs that may need to be wrangled.

But don’t panic, it takes more than some lost words to throw this mighty crew off track. As the story develops and Juliet’s quest continues, Carly Pokoradi (who plays “everyone else”) begins to shine. A new walk and talk appears from each new character. Pokoradi successfully becomes a dozen distinct personalities, helping to drive the plot forward.

With writing from Pippa Mackie and Ryan Gladstone, along with direction from the latter, a traditional story is built. In discovering a found family and new world, happy endings are inevitable. The plot may be predictable but it seems Monster Theatre doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to create the enthralling story of Juliet: A Revenge Comedy. 

Juliet: A Revenge Comedy is on now until July 14 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.