1 week Ago By Teri Cadeau
DULUTH — How does one take a story that in its most famous form is filled with words and tell that with only dance?That's the challenge presented to the dancers of the Minnesota Ballet's final show of its 60th season, "Romeo and Juliet."It's a challenge that dancers Brianna Crockett and Isaac Sharratt have spent five weeks preparing in rehearsal. Crockett is taking on the role of Juliet with Matthew Frezzell in one cast and Sharratt is playing Romeo to his wife, Jessica Lopes, as Juliet in the other cast.
"They're incredibly challenging roles physically and emotionally, so we split those roles into two casts so people aren't wearing themselves out every night," Sharratt said. "A lot of the supporting cast is the same, but those two roles especially will be switched." There aren't a lot of roles that a dancer gets to deep dive into their emotions like this.
Sharratt has been dancing professionally since he was 16 and is set to retire following this show after dancing ballet for 20 years. He said going out with a role like Romeo and dancing with his wife as a pair of lovers has been "a great way to go out" and "cathartic.""Unfortunately, this isn't a profession that lets you go on forever, no matter how much you love it, no matter how much you enjoy it, at a certain point it just takes its toll on your body," Sharratt said.
"I'm excited for my next steps. I'm hoping I can do something to stay within the field artistically, so I'm excited for that."Sharratt said dancing the role of Romeo has been interesting because he's had to set his mind back to what it was like when he was young and in love.
"There's a lot of intricacy that goes into the character. I spent a lot of time thinking about who he is," Sharratt said. "He's this young guy who's just such a deeply passionate person.
He's known for being lovesick, so no one really believes him that he's really in love this time. He was just acting in love with Rosalind, Juliet's cousin. So it's interesting to explore that dynamic.
"Crockett has been doing a deep dive into playing Juliet as well. She's listened to the play on audiobook, watched the Royal Ballet version and sought out podcasts."There aren't a lot of roles that a dancer gets to deep dive into their emotions like this," Crockett said.
"So I've been using my own personal experiences and also diving into the research."I've wanted to give Juliet more depth," Crockett said. "She might seem a little superficial on the surface, but there's more to her than what meets the eye and she goes on an incredible journey as the show progresses.
"Crockett's deep dive into her emotions might have been successful, as her fellow dancers had tears in their eyes when they watched the final act of the show at the first full rehearsal April 3."I think that's a good sign. I saw tissues being passed around," Crockett said.
Sharratt said that's something for audience members to keep in mind — the show is a tragedy."Be prepared to be taken on a journey with us," Sharratt said. "And know that while there will be laughs and joy and love along the way, there will also probably be tears.
We all know the feeling of loss, so come ready to experience all of that."If you go What: Minnesota Ballet's "Romeo and Juliet" When: 7 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday Where: Depot Theatre, 506 W.
Michigan St., Duluth Tickets: $50 adult, $45 senior/student/military, $35 under age 12; minnesotaballet.org ]]>.
