What to do in Oklahoma on Nov. 15, 2012: See Reduxion Theatre’s “Richard III” at the Broadway Theater
Today’s featured event:
See Reduxion Theatre’s 1920s cabaret reimagining of “Richard III” at 8 p.m. today-Saturday or Nov. 23-24 at its Broadway Theater, 1613 N Broadway Ave. Matinee performances are planned for 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 25.
Reduxion is setting William Shakespeare’s famous history play of the infamous and bloody villain king set in the cabaret world of the Weimar Republic. Starring guest artist, professional actor and Oklahoma native Rex Daugherty in the title role, this risqué production features live music, dance and lots of audience interaction. Not recommended for patrons 14 and younger.
“The Tragedy of King Richard the Third” is based on the bloody rise to the English throne by the tragically misshapen Richard of Gloucester during England’s famously bloody “Wars of the Roses.” Shakespeare’s dramatization of Richard’s rise and reign has been the subject of many film versions including those featuring Laurence Olivier (1955), Ian McKellen (1995) and Al Pacino (1996), in the pivotal title role. Reduxion is featuring Daugherty, Washington D.C.-area professional actor/musician, to play the title role in this original, musical take on a classic.
“Oklahoma City audiences are hungry for fresh perspective and fun,” said Tyler Woods, Reduxion’s Artistic Director and production director for “Richard III,” in a news release. “This is why we challenge ourselves artistically to offer something faithful to the script, but that is new to the audience. We are hard at work on musical numbers for our “Richard III” that both propel and interpret the story in innovative and surprising ways, hitting the Oklahoma City stage this November!”
Woods further surprises audiences by reimagining this medieval story as set in the cabaret-world of the Weimar Republic, circa the late 1920s. Audiences familiar with the musical “Cabaret” (the 1966 Broadway hit) will discover a similar setting for Reduxion’s upcoming production, as “Richard III” is presented with many stylings of a European cabaret show of the early 20th century, including 6 musical numbers and lots of audience interaction!
Each performance of “Richard III” promises to challenge concepts of classical theater, while remaining faithful to the original language and characters that make this play beloved. “Seeing Richard stretch his legs from the Weimar to the Third Reich adds a surprising perspective and modern relevance to this classic text,” Woods said.
Why add music? “It is easy to dismiss historical drama as serious or dryRichard III is anything but! Live music was a huge part of Shakespeare’s original productions,” he said, “and has been historically used to bring fresh perspective to these timeless tales. The songs you will hear are both modern and historical, and are all performed live by our very talented company of actors!”
For more information, call 651-3191 or go to www.reduxiontheatre.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
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