A film by Charlie Kanganis

In this homage to West Side Story and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet we uncover a contemporary cutting edge retelling of Shakespeare’s tragic love story.    Infused with music and nestled in a black against white color palette we see the hip hop culture clash with the untouchable Beverly Hills aristocrats .

Introducing ten original tracks in the vein of Shakira and Usher as rap replaces the soliloquy.   The pulsing beat represents not only the thumping urban landscape but the pounding hearts of our star-crossed lovers and their destiny to be together at all costs.

Rome, newcomer Nate Parker (Pride) takes his portrayal of the jilted young man to darker depths than his predecessors.   His brooding love for Jewel is deeply pained and even further complicated by his African American roots.  His father is a minister from Compton, and even though a man of the clothe, Reverend Q has his own bigoted thoughts.  And like a dagger they strike harshly through Rome’s heart.  Tony Winner Cleavant Derricks’ bold and honest Reverend Q reverberates long after the last frame fades to black.

Jewel, (Lindsey Haun) the daughter of the Mayor of Los Angeles, combines a delicate innocence and an inner fire.  Just barely sixteen she displays a desire to grow up far too early.   Blond and petite with dove white skin, not only is she visually the laser opposite of Rome’s tall chiseled black frame but her slightly devilish grin and wicked spontaneity has rebel written all over her. At the same time Jewel never lets us waiver as to how true her affairs of the heart are.

When Rome & Jewel run to Vegas to get married, Mercury, a marijuana toking DJ/ drug dealer  sells his soul for profit promising to find them.  This leads to his death and ghostly resurrection..  His presence is more Iago than Mercutio.  Is it guilt?  Jealousy? Anger?  What has forced his spirit to stay on this side long enough to have a hand in carrying out the tragic lovers end?