Here and beyond, you shall find me, my life, my loves, my history. Step forth and learn.

Last night we were able to attend the opening night of the Joffrey Ballet's Romeo and Juliet at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.

Set to Sergei Prokofiev's easily accessible score conducted by Leslie Dunner and choreographed by the late John Cranko, Romeo and Juliet is one of a few full length classics that most people are familiar with. Joffrey had a full ensemble and 50 extras, with Maia Wilkins and Willy Shives cast in the leading roles.

From the very first Act and Scene to the third and last Act, the ensemble preformed near flawlessly. Bringing to life each character and precisely navigating the sharp and sudden turns of the emotionally charged storyline, the cast performed more like a family than a company. Even Wilkin's and Shives's performance of Cranko's pas de deuxs were sublime in their ability to make us see the love between them. I really enjoyed Wilkin's unrestrained but believable portrayal of Juliet, but my favorite character by far was Michael Levine's cool and calculating Tybalt.

Although I personally prefer MacMillan's version, the fantastic dancers and set get this ballet a very highly recommended 4 stars.