Carolina Ballet’s “Romeo and Juliet”

Lara O’Brien is as light as a feather in her moving performance of Juliet in Carolina Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, which opened tonight in Raleigh and runs through March 30. Juliet’s behavior transforms from that of a frivolous juvenile with a new dress to an angst-ridden love sick teenager, and O’Brien’s acting skills match her superb dancing.

Lara O’Brien as Juliet

Lara O’Brien as Juliet

Lara O’Brien as Juliet and Marcelo Martinez as Romeo

Lara O’Brien as Juliet and Marcelo Martinez as Romeo

Marcelo Martinez as Romeo has a confidence and ease of movement that would charm even the most self-possessed. Martinez’s refinement makes Romeo’s hot-headed reactions seem almost sensible.

Marcelo Martinez as Romeo

Marcelo Martinez as Romeo

Marcelo Martinez as Romeo

And there is nothing juvenile about the pas de deux of Juliet and Romeo. The couple’s sensual languor-of-love dances are the highlight of the show.

Marcelo Martinez and Lara O’Brien as Romeo and Juliet

Marcelo Martinez and Lara O’Brien as Romeo and Juliet

Pablo Javier Perez is energetic and playful as Mercutio. He masterfully blends comedy and tragedy when he repeatedly postpones his last breath.

Pablo Javier Perez as Mercutio with Alicia Fabry and Lindsay Purrington as Gypsy Street Dancers

Pablo Javier Perez as Mercutio with Randi Osetek as a Gypsy Street Dancer

Fight scenes are exciting and plentiful. It looks and sounds like the swords are real! Tybalt, danced by Eugene C. Barnes, III, is watchful and intimidating.