Romeo and Juliet: Monsters in Love

The Actors' Gang presents quite the monster mash-up in its sixth annual Shakespeare in the park, sure to amuse audiences of all ages—and tastes. The playwright would probably forgive the happy ending, particularly as his text remains amply intact. The "Spooky" soundtrack sets the scene for a "gang" of ghouls to gallop apace in this brightly burning, woe-less tale directed by Cynthia Ettinger.

Yes, the set consists of coffins from which actors enter and exit and pull bits of costuming. But the coffins are cheerily softened by decals and posters, and they are the only direct hint of death. Making the panorama more visually stimulating than Saturday morning cartoons are Lynne Marie Martens' spectacular costumes. Infused with Japanese themes—including parasols that form Juliet's balcony—the costumes turn characters into animals, cars, zombies, and goths.

In the get-along-like-cats-and-dogs world of Shakespeare's text, Kareem Ferguson's bold Tybalt is a peppy pup, while Adam Jefferis' Mercutio is just an ol' pussycat. Nick Huff is the handsomely vampiric Romeo, while Molly O'Neill makes a hip-hopping but fashionable and feminine Juliet. Because Paris bugs Juliet so much, Simon Hanna's Paris is a fly. But her cuddly Nurse, played by the Terpsichore-fueled Alicia Simmons, is a plush red ladybug, bringing luck rather than glooming peace to the events.

Pedro Shanahan is a high-energy hot-wheels Benvolio. Bob Turton's beautifully voiced Lord Capulet is married to Elizabeth Colon Nelson's material girl of a Lady Capulet. Donna Jo Thorndale carries the show, vibrantly emceeing when not playing Friar, Apothecary, Prologue, and Prince.

The "Monster Mash" of the ball features the cast masquerading behind sunglasses and performing a "Thriller" of a dance sequence. Edgar Landa's fight choreography sees the characters "Kung-Fu Fighting" with ultra-soft swords or battling in slow motion with pillows. Aaron Guzzo's live music adds even more enjoyment, highlighting bits of stage business with practiced precision.

The audience helps awaken Romeo and Juliet with the power of our love and our voices. The freaky pair weds and probably has kids who become preppies. As the play says, love is a monster for making one fall for one's worst enemy.

Presented by The Actors' Gang at Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City, (Free admission.) Aug. 6-28. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. (310) 838-4264. www.theactorsgang.com.