There are times when a trip to the theatre should being nothing but fun and entertainment. A clever and ingenious musical performed by a remarkable cast is an additional bonus. One need to look no further than the stage of Theater 555 where the production of “Romeo and Bernadette” graces the stage and provides the audience a skillful and crafty musical adaption of Shakespeare’s love story of star-struck lovers. The book and lyrics by Mark Saltzman are smart and funny, adding a certain lighthearted flair to the transfer from Verona, Italy to Brooklyn, New York while replacing the Montagues and Capulets with The De Canto and Penza feuding Mafia families. Lyrics are set to the melodies of old traditional and classic Italian songs. Although the plot may not be plausible, it works and weaves characters and scenes from Shakespeare’s original play seamlessly into the story.

No need to explain the premise except to say that it is totally entertaining and performed by a first rate cast of theater veterans and newcomers. Troy Valjean Rucker playing many roles is hilarious and has total command of his soaring baritone vocals. Judy McLane captures the character of mob boss wife Camille Penza honestly and sincerely without sacrificing a comical turn. Michael Notardonato plays Dino DelCanto with ease, embracing every nuance of a Brooklyn mob boss’s son in the sixties. Ari Raskin is his counterpart, Donna Dubachek, the tough street-smart best friend of Bernadette. She infuses rough confidence into her character without losing vulnerability. Anna Kostakis delivers the epitome of an Italian princess in Bernadette Penza, spoiled rotten and self-centered but somehow manages to convey an unguarded heart when approached by her suitor. Nikita Burshteyn mesmerizes the audience in his portrayal of Romeo and melts hearts with his pure sweet tenor voice. He skillfully walks the fine line between fourteenth century Verona and twentieth century Brooklyn blending Shakespeare verse and mobster idioms with a Brooklyn accent perfectly. Rounding out the cast is Carlos Lopez, Viet Vo and Zach Schanne doing an outstanding job in their supporting roles.

The five-piece orchestra delivers a big sound and is right on target, matching the remarkable voices they accompany. Costume design by Joseph Shrope is period worthy and detailed. Director Justin Ross Cohen deftly directs his cast and develops emotional, larger than life characters that do not fall prey to one-dimensional stereotypes. He keeps the action moving at a quick and comical pace. This is a show that should not be missed, promising a delightful escape from our unsettling times and a chance to just sit back and enjoy a well-crafted musical comedy.