| Issue Date: April 22, 2009, Posted On: 4/21/2009 STYLE Weekly review of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' The cast of Richmond Shakespeareare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," at rest. Clockwise from top, it's Brandon Crowder, Stacie Rearden Hall, Adam Mincks, Kerry McGee and Sandra Clayton.  |
There was a moment during Richmond Shakespeareare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when I literally could not stop laughing. Near the play's end, the sheer lunatic brilliance of director Andrew Hamm's off-kilter rendering of the Shakespeare classic reached such a fever pitch that I found myself lost in the sea of silliness. I would have been more embarrassed about my guffaws if there weren't several others in the audience doing the same thing. Possibly the Bard's most endearingly romantic comedy, Midsummer's plot involves fairies, love potions, a man semitransformed into an ass, and quite a bit of mayhem. As if that were not enough, Hamm's inspired cast pushes every envelope available. Sensual interludes between lovers stray into serious PG-13 territory. Characters who are supposed to be bad actors are hilariously horrendous. Some of the physical comedy looks downright painful, thanks to fight choreography help by David White. Ensemble members throw themselves into multiple roles with abandon. Brandon Crowder leads this rowdy band, effecting breakneck changes between the regal Duke of Athens to the almost aggressively swishy Flute and eliciting laughs with as little as a well-placed glance along the way. Adam Mincks chews the scenery ravenously as donkey-eared Bottom, who attracts the affection of Fairy Queen Titania (Stacie Rearden Hall) thanks to the juice of a magical flower administered by Puck (Kerry McGee). Hall's lusty looks are bracing while McGee is alternately fervent as the love-struck Hermia and delightfully impish as Puck. Sandra Clayton rounds out the crew ably with several small but vital bit parts. It seems peckish to note that some of Shakespeare's lyrical language gets lost in modernisms such as "Sweet!" and "Awesome!" But Hamm makes up for it by inserting charming musical interludes into the action with a cast (particularly Hall) in spectacular voice. For a show not billed as a musical, this "Dream" sings. David Timberline "A Midsummer Night's Dream" plays at the Second Presbyterian Church, 5 N. Fifth St., through May 10. Tickets are $13-$26. Call 1-866-BARD-TIX or visit www.richmondshakespeare.com. |
Showing posts with label Dave White. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dave White. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Style Weekly
Do you have your tickets yet?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Style Weekly: "Measure for Measure" is "Bracing" and "Gratifying"
From this week's Style Weekly:
Quick-Change Artists
Actors make the most of multiple roles in “Measure for Measure.”
by David Timberline
Richmond Shakespeare Theatre’s practice of “doubling” — having each of its actors play two or three roles in a show — has always led to some interesting juxtapositions. Its current production of “Measure for Measure” may present the most fascinating and artistically rewarding combinations yet.
In this complex consideration of moral gray areas, Andrew Hamm portrays both the strict Duke’s deputy, Angelo, who must crack down on the reprobates of Vienna, and the unfortunate gentleman Claudio, who gets cracked down upon. Both of these characters are fraught with inner conflict, and it’s a tribute to Hamm’s considerable skills that he is able to make each man’s trajectory riveting and distinct. He even throws in for good measure an amusing comic turn as an elderly constable.
Hearing that Claudio has been sentenced to die, his novitiate sister, Isabella, leaves the nunnery to plead for his life. Angelo makes her a devil’s bargain: If she sleeps with him, he’ll free her brother. As Isabella, Liz Blake is convincingly enchanting and proves her acting mettle in the extreme emotional rollercoaster her character must ride.
Spurring the plot into greater complication is Vincentio, the Duke (David White), who disguises himself as a friar to spy on the proceedings. White doesn’t quite do enough to differentiate the Duke from the pimp Pompey, but he salvages his performance in some exceptional final scenes.
In other supporting roles, Julie Phillips makes her biggest impression as the bawdy Mistress Overdone, and while John Moss’ near-farcical take on the opportunistic Lucio sometimes seems to belong in a different play, it’s also consistently hilarious.
As is befitting one of Shakespeare’s “problem” plays, this production has some issues with the mix of comic and melodramatic elements. But the overall effect is a bracing — and gratifying — journey down a murky moral path.
Great to hear such praise from Style Weeky! And our review appears directly beneath the review of Doubt, making this "Nun Week" at Style.
If I may be so bold, I need to point out that this show has grown tremendously in the two weeks since the Thursday preview that Mr. Timberline saw. All five actors have really deepened their connection to their roles. If you saw the show early, it's worth coming back to see it again.
There are only two more weeks of Measure for Measure. Don't miss this show!
Quick-Change ArtistsActors make the most of multiple roles in “Measure for Measure.”
by David Timberline
Richmond Shakespeare Theatre’s practice of “doubling” — having each of its actors play two or three roles in a show — has always led to some interesting juxtapositions. Its current production of “Measure for Measure” may present the most fascinating and artistically rewarding combinations yet.
In this complex consideration of moral gray areas, Andrew Hamm portrays both the strict Duke’s deputy, Angelo, who must crack down on the reprobates of Vienna, and the unfortunate gentleman Claudio, who gets cracked down upon. Both of these characters are fraught with inner conflict, and it’s a tribute to Hamm’s considerable skills that he is able to make each man’s trajectory riveting and distinct. He even throws in for good measure an amusing comic turn as an elderly constable.
Hearing that Claudio has been sentenced to die, his novitiate sister, Isabella, leaves the nunnery to plead for his life. Angelo makes her a devil’s bargain: If she sleeps with him, he’ll free her brother. As Isabella, Liz Blake is convincingly enchanting and proves her acting mettle in the extreme emotional rollercoaster her character must ride.
Spurring the plot into greater complication is Vincentio, the Duke (David White), who disguises himself as a friar to spy on the proceedings. White doesn’t quite do enough to differentiate the Duke from the pimp Pompey, but he salvages his performance in some exceptional final scenes.
In other supporting roles, Julie Phillips makes her biggest impression as the bawdy Mistress Overdone, and while John Moss’ near-farcical take on the opportunistic Lucio sometimes seems to belong in a different play, it’s also consistently hilarious.
As is befitting one of Shakespeare’s “problem” plays, this production has some issues with the mix of comic and melodramatic elements. But the overall effect is a bracing — and gratifying — journey down a murky moral path.
Great to hear such praise from Style Weeky! And our review appears directly beneath the review of Doubt, making this "Nun Week" at Style.
If I may be so bold, I need to point out that this show has grown tremendously in the two weeks since the Thursday preview that Mr. Timberline saw. All five actors have really deepened their connection to their roles. If you saw the show early, it's worth coming back to see it again.
There are only two more weeks of Measure for Measure. Don't miss this show!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
"Measure for Measure:" February 7 - March 20
Next up at the Richmond Shakespeare Theatre:
Directed by James Alexander Bond, who brought you Richmond Shakespeare's critically-acclaimed productions of Julius Caesar and Henry IV, Part 1, featuring the acting talent of Liz Blake, Andrew Hamm, John Moss, Julie Phillips, and David White, costumes by Rebecca Cairns and stage managed by Heather Johnson.
Death! is the sentence for impregnating a woman before marrying her, and even though Claudio does intend to marry his Juliet, he’s in a heap of trouble! The good Duke of Vienna has taken a break from royal duties, handing the reins of government to the strict conservative Angelo, who is tempted by Claudio’s sister Isabella, a nun’s novice; if Isabella will yield to Angelo's desire, he'll spare Claudio. Confused yet? Even though appearances in Shakespeare have a way of unraveling and all might end well, someone will be put to death, someone else spends a reckless night alone with a woman he cannot see, the clowns of Vienna will howl and the city itself could crumble. Be careful who you judge, as judgment might be passed on you!
Richmond Shakespeare's contribution to the Acts of Faith Festival, Measure for Measure is a story of passion and prayer, lust and restraint, sin and virtue, offense and forgiveness. One of Shakespeare's last comedies, the play is in many ways one of his most rich and complex, with broad bawdy humor alternating with theology and philosophy centuries ahead of its time. "The tempter or the tempted: who sins most?"
Mature themes but appropriate for age 14 and above.
Show times are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8:00 and Sunday afternoons at 2:30. All performances are in the chapel at Second Presbyterian Church (5 North 5th Street). Click here for directions!
Click here for tickets!
Directed by James Alexander Bond, who brought you Richmond Shakespeare's critically-acclaimed productions of Julius Caesar and Henry IV, Part 1, featuring the acting talent of Liz Blake, Andrew Hamm, John Moss, Julie Phillips, and David White, costumes by Rebecca Cairns and stage managed by Heather Johnson.
Death! is the sentence for impregnating a woman before marrying her, and even though Claudio does intend to marry his Juliet, he’s in a heap of trouble! The good Duke of Vienna has taken a break from royal duties, handing the reins of government to the strict conservative Angelo, who is tempted by Claudio’s sister Isabella, a nun’s novice; if Isabella will yield to Angelo's desire, he'll spare Claudio. Confused yet? Even though appearances in Shakespeare have a way of unraveling and all might end well, someone will be put to death, someone else spends a reckless night alone with a woman he cannot see, the clowns of Vienna will howl and the city itself could crumble. Be careful who you judge, as judgment might be passed on you!
Richmond Shakespeare's contribution to the Acts of Faith Festival, Measure for Measure is a story of passion and prayer, lust and restraint, sin and virtue, offense and forgiveness. One of Shakespeare's last comedies, the play is in many ways one of his most rich and complex, with broad bawdy humor alternating with theology and philosophy centuries ahead of its time. "The tempter or the tempted: who sins most?"
Mature themes but appropriate for age 14 and above.
Show times are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8:00 and Sunday afternoons at 2:30. All performances are in the chapel at Second Presbyterian Church (5 North 5th Street). Click here for directions!
Click here for tickets!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Picture of the Week: December 11, 2007
Maybe "Picture of the Week" is a better idea than "of the Day." Don't be surprised if it's more or less frequent; I'm pretty much just going to slap up one of my favorite pictures from the Richmond Shakespeare vault whenever it occurs to me. If it's been a while, and you haven't seen one, let me know. Or if you have requests, like "How about one of those great pictures of Foster Solomon and Susan Sanford in The Taming of the Shrew?"
Today's pic comes from the famous "Girls Gonne Wilde" action of Twelfth Night, and features Frank Creasy (left) as Sir Toby Belch, and Dave White (right) as Sir Andrew Ague-Cheek. Photo by Eric Dobbs.
Today's pic comes from the famous "Girls Gonne Wilde" action of Twelfth Night, and features Frank Creasy (left) as Sir Toby Belch, and Dave White (right) as Sir Andrew Ague-Cheek. Photo by Eric Dobbs.
Fans of Dave and Frank, two of my favorite actors, will be glad to hear that they will both be gracing our stage in the coming months; Dave as the Duke in Measure for Measure opening February 7, and Frank as Jacques in As You Like It opening March 27.
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