What I learned. . .
What I already knew about the story from my experience directing Romeo and Juliet paid off in spades. . . helped provide a foundation on top of which we could layer Joe Calarco's story. I insisted that the infamous red cloth -- about the only prop in the play -- be able to cover the entire playing platform. In one rehearsal Bobby (Steggert), who was doing the Juliet/Benvolio line of characters, got particularly frustrated. "Does it have to be this large?!" "Uh-huh." That was the extent of our exchange. The red cloth became the fifth actor in the play, and though unwieldy, was mostly a fine acting partner for the guys. They cut off a square of it and framed it as an opening night gift. It sits in my study at home, and always makes me smile.