 I rate this episode ★★★★☆ for GOOD. I give Ian Martin props for writing a great adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play for radio and packed so much into it in one full episode. The Title suits well with the story and other titles could work such as, “A Plague On Both Your Housesâ€ because Hate is the plague that caused the Montagues & Capulets to be at war with each other. Another title could work, “Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrowâ€ because Romeo & Juliet think about each other every time they leave & reunify. Or better yet, call it what it‘s really about: “Star-Crossed Lovers In Verona.â€ The sound effects of the servants fighting, trumpets, wind blowing, ballroom music, party guest murmuring, the doors, swords clang, and body thud were very supportive in this. The music was supportive as well; themes that expressed love, hate, despair, calamity, and sorrow. And let’s not forget the Orchestral Romeo & Juliet theme from Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky. Now here’s why I rate this 4 out of 5 stars: E.G. Marshall made a mistake in his Prologue. He said that the stage play of Romeo & Juliet was written between 1694 and 1695. SPECIAL NOTE: William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and died in 1616; our Host was a century off. Other than that, his narrations were beneficial just like Cliff’s Notes. In ACT-1, he begins the CBSRMT episode where the play begins: Verona. Later on, the famous love scene ended and the dark tragedy begins. In ACT-2, it’s what we expected: Romeo is passionately in love and later flees after killing a member of the Capulets. In ACT-3, the 2 lovers are dead, but their story will never die. In his Epilogue, both families put their hatred aside and become friends too late. But the grandest part of all was our cast: Kristoffer Tabori (as Romeo Montague), Morgan Fairchild (as Juliet Capulet), Joan Shay (as Nurse & Lady Capulet), Robert Kaliban (as Mercutio & Friar Lawrence), Guy Sorel (as Prince Paris), and Earl Hammond (as Tybalt). Kudos to Guy Sorel & Earl Hammond for playing minor roles that was significant in the plot. Big props to Joan Shay & Robert Kaliban for each playing 2 roles. As I mentioned before, the grandest part, I was referring to Kristffer Tabori & Morgan Fairchild. I could imagine William Redfield & Marian Seldes playing the parts. Or even Jack Grimes & Joan Loring. But I think Kristoffer Tabori & Morgan Fairchild pulled it off on these memorable roles. Listen to the sound of their kiss at the 9-minute mark; very delicate. And listen to the way she says, “I love youâ€ and the 13-minute mark and the way she gasps during the stabbing at the 39-minute mark; a dainty voice that works well in the story. If you’ve read the play in school, read its Cliff’s Notes, seen it on a theatre stage, watch the many different film versions of it (including WEST SIDE STORY), I highly recommend that you listen to this on old time radio. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =0)