The Last Romance — Unusual and Delightful Carpenter Square Offering — A Smash Hit
Every now and then a role comes along that is so dynamite it can’t be overlooked. Award winning author Joe DiPietro is known as a great playwright—I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Over the River and Through the Woods are examples of his work. Along comes The Last Romance with two roles that would have my name right up in lights! The names filling those roles in this production are Jane Hall and Kitty Fisher for the role of Carol Reynolds and Laurel Van Horn Jaworsky and Vicki Wilcox for the role of Rose Tagliatelle.
Director Doobie Potter then cast the role of Ralph Bellini with Paul Smith. Yes, his name was on that role as well. As a matter of fact this may be absolutely his best performance in any show he has ever done because it suits his speech patterns, and he displays an intricate knowledge of the character that makes him shine. Potter perfectly cast Coco Chanel Carr as the little dog. She designed an open set that works wonderfully for all the locations. But ultimately Potter had to make the hard decision: Hall or Fisher and Jaworsky or Wilcox. She made the best decision imaginable. The result of her decision is romantic and hysterically funny.
The leading ladies are double cast and perform alternately. The performance this article refers to has Hall as Carol and Wilcox as Rose in the roles. (Look out for an update in a few days; next Saturday night, this reviewer will see the alternate cast in performance.)
Smith is inspired as the Italian sweetie-heart who hasn’t lost his appeal as a student of humanity–or his sex appeal. Hall as Carol is a gorgeous older woman who believes she is past any thoughts of romance. Smith’s character Ralph can see beyond her shell to the beauty lurking behind a rare smile. Rose, Ralph’s sister and ‘keeper’ has also lost touch with humanity in general, but if she watches her brother, she may find it again. Wilcox beautifully shows the audience that transformation.
Under Potter’s expertise these three actors create a show that is well worth seeing for the older set. It is also very much a family show. Younger people can relate to The Last Romance much as they relate to their first romance or fantasize about the romance yet to come.
We are never too old to love–never to old to bind our passion–and never too old to step out to Carpenter Square Theatre where The Last Romance plays through December 23, 2012. What great gift a couple of tickets would be for parents or grandparents who only like to pretend to you they are over the hill. They are not!
The excellent cast and crew–as well as Jon and Jaefinn (proud poppas of Coco Chanel Carr, aka Peaches)–welcome patrons to Carpenter Square Theatre. Located at 800 West Main in downtown Oklahoma City, Carpenter Square is easily accessible from the Interstate or from Classen Boulevard. Parking is available nearby; the theatre stocks a nice bar and encourages patrons to come a little early for the art show. Mort Hamilton is the artist for The Last Romance, and her exhibit is entitled “The Sound of Water.” Interested patrons should look closely at some of these paintings because they are not only lovely, they are mysterious. Remember “The Iceman Cometh” and enjoy Hamilton’s work.
Reservations can be made at 405-232-6500. Enjoy a great script choice from Artistic Director Rhonda Clark, and a great show from Director Doobie Potter!
Look for an update with the alternate cast next week here at Oklahoma Arts: Scene & Hurd.
Pollard Theatre opens “A Territorial Christmas Carol: An Oklahoma Tradition”
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is well known to everyone and touches every person in a privately unique way. Stephen P. Scott’s adaptation “A Territorial Christmas Carol” reaches out specifically to residents of Central Oklahoma and has become a tradition for the Pollard Theatre. The show sets the story in Oklahoma Territory just after the land run over a century ago. In this past century, Oklahomans have seen many privations from the hardships of settling an area overnight to the cycles of drought and flood, and wind. It is especially heartwarming to see how our forefathers overcome the sufferings of the prairie with faith and generosity.
W. Jerome Stevenson’s direction makes “A Territorial Christmas Carol” a new and exciting show every year. This year the production adds some new faces and expands on favorite characters with a little more humor than previous years. Perhaps that humor is exactly what is needed to face the future, as the settlers required humor in their day.
James Ong is Ebenezer Scrooge once again, and this year he presents an even more delightful Scrooge—first ridiculous in his miserliness and second, joyous in his transformation. James Hughes is also back as Bob Cratchit, Ben Moody and Mr. Fezziwig, although the Mrs. is now Megan Montgomery. They have an excellent rapport as if Montgomery has been playing the role for as many years as Hughes. Timothy Stewart is Dickens and Topper and once again excites us as a storyteller. In addition to directing, W. Jerome Stevenson is the frightening Jacob Marley as well as a Civil War Veteran and the settler, John Kettle. Trinity Goodwin is the beautiful Ghost of Christmas Past as well as Caroline and others and exhibits a great component to the cast. Emily Frances Brown is the lovely niece as well as Belle, the lost love, and she stands up well in her performances in her second year with the show. Gwendolyn Evans is also in her second year, and this year her Widow Brown nearly steals the show!
New faces include Joshua McGowan as Scrooge’s nephew, the youthful apprentice Scrooge and the undertaker. Also new is Jared Blount as Hamilton Moore, the Ghost of Christmas Present and other cameos including the pawnbroker. These two are hilarious in the scene at the Pawnbrokers with Widow Brown and others almost to the point of caricature. The humor is a nice offset to the tragedy that may unfold if Scrooge doesn’t wake up and ‘come to the party’ of life.
The children come in two casts so as not to overload young school children with excessive rehearsals. This also gives a great opportunity for more young actors to gain experience. The cast A Tiny Tim Cratchit is Callen Stewart and he is a very refreshing Tiny Tim. Cast B is graced with Gracie Lugo in the role. William Moody and Peter Cratchit is Matt Maloy from Cast A and, Kaleb Brussett carries the role from Cast B. Both children show a great deal of promise. The remaining cast members from Cast A and B are far too numerous to list, however they all demonstrate a great deal of talent and dedication under Stevenson’s guidance. The casts alternate so patrons who wish to see a particular young person should inquire at the box office to make sure they are reserving the right night.
“A Territorial Christmas Carol: An Oklahoma Tradition” plays at the Pollard through December 23, 2012 with Sunday 2:00pm matinee performances as well as Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm. Visit www.thepollard.org or call 405-282-2800 and reserve tickets early to ensure not missing this great tradition! The Pollard Theatre is located in downtown Guthrie at 120 West Harrison Avenue.
The Making of A New Holiday Tradition: Lyric’s A Christmas Carol
Year after year since its revitalization, the Plaza District continues to attract new and exciting retailers, restaurants, organizations and fans. Last year, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma debuted LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, turning the Plaza District into not only a destination for holiday shopping and a night on the town, but for the creation of new traditions.
“It was very exciting to see families, friends and couples coming to the Plaza District to celebrate the holidays with LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL,” said Lyric’s Artistic Director Michael Baron. “Now that we’re in our second year of the production, it’s thrilling to have all those that loved it last year returning and bringing even more loved ones to experience it for the first time.”
Baron’s original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is unlike what audiences typically expect from the redemption tale—picture flying ghosts, larger-than-life puppets and beautiful carol singing. Not to mention, as an audience member, be prepared to experience a little snowfall.
Last year’s debut was met with rave reviews from audiences and they weren’t the only ones that fell in love with the show. The entire adult cast from 2011 opted to return for this year’s run, including Oklahoma City favorites Jonathan Beck Reed (Scrooge), Tom Huston Orr (Bob Cratchit), Matthew Alvin Brown (Young Scrooge/Fred), Susan Riley (Mrs. Cratchit), Jayme Petete (Christmas Past), Mandy Jiran (Christmas Present) and more. There are also several talented kids featured throughout the production, which is directed by Baron and choreographed by Lyric’s Associate Artistic Director Ashley Wells.
If you’re looking to start a new tradition or revisit an old favorite in a new way, LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL shouldn’t be missed this holiday season and for years to come.
LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL will show at the Plaza Theatre, November 30 through December 29. The theatre is located at 1725 NW 16th Street, Oklahoma City, 73106. For tickets call Lyric’s box office at (405) 524-9312, visit LyricTheatreOKC.com or stop by the box office at 1727 NW 16th Street.
Guest post by Michaela Webb
Poteet Theatre Delights Audiences with “Wizard of Oz”
The Jewel Box Theatre continues the excellent tradition of introducing new playwrights to the scene with premiere performances. This year’s choice is “Excavation” by Rob Barron. Barron is an assistant professor of theatre at City College in New York where he teaches acting, directing and playwriting. He has written and directed several plays and “Excavation” is the first of his plays directed by another. Linda McDonald directs this world premiere in Oklahoma for the Jewel Box Theatre.
“Excavation” tells two stories of dinosaur lovers separated by two centuries and an ocean. Josh Peterson is a recent widower working in security at the Natural History Museum in New York City. His young son, Kenny is still grieving over the loss of his mother and immerses himself in the book about the fossil hunter, Mary Anning. The modern setting is fictional, but Mary Anning is a historical figure.
Mary Anning was born in 1799 and was known as a fossil collector, dealer and paleontologist due to the important finds she made in the Jurassic marine fossil beds at Lyme Regis in Dorset where she lived. She has been largely overlooked in the scientific community due to her lack of formal education, and also because women were not recognized in the scientific community in the early 19th century. Mary was finally recognized for her contributions by the Royal Society in 2010 as one of the ten British women who have most influenced the history of science. Mary Anning was also noted in her community for the unusual circumstances surrounding a sudden lighting storm during an equestrian show. A neighbor, Elizabeth Haskings, was holding the child Mary when lightning struck killing three women including Haskings. Mary’s survival was miraculous, and interestingly, she blossomed from a sickly toddler to a lively, curious and intelligent girl. She was often referred to as ‘lightning girl’ by those in the community where she searched for fossils to sell as a way of supporting her family.
“Excavation” intertwines her history with the fictional story of Josh and Kenny Peterson as they struggle to survive in a modern world with little support for a suddenly grieving father and son. Barron weaves the two stories together as the characters appear simultaneously and seem to interact on a mental level. It is the dedication of Mary Anning that gives the young boy hope.
Director McDonald uses a simple set that suggests that classical structure of a museum as well as the cliffs and pits of Dorset. The characters are well established with very good performances among the principles as well as versatile multiple cameo parts in the cast.
Mary Anning is played by A’Mari Rocheleau and her performance is excellent. Rocheleau establishes the slight abrasiveness that intelligent women often had to develop during this period yet she tempers Mary Anning’s personality with sensitivity and joy in her work. The role of Josh Peterson is wonderfully done by Chris Briscoe, harried, hapless and hopelessly confused about what needs to be done for his son, Kenny. Kenny is played by Nathan Ferguson and he does an exceptional job of portraying autism which can be devastating even in a mild form. David Burkhart, John Q. Wilson, Todd Murray, Curt Rose and CheyAnne Stickler round out this very competent cast with distinctive characterizations.
“Excavation” shows at the Jewel Box Theatre through December 9, 2012. Tickets are available at the box office by phone Tuesday through Friday afternoons at 405-521-1786. Also, tickets may be purchased on line at www.jewelboxtheatre.org. The Jewel Box Theatre is located at the First Christian Church at 3700 N. Walker in Oklahoma City. “Excavation” is a wonderful choice for families, especially those with exceptional children, and what child is not, after all, exceptional?
“Excavation” Unearths Solid Characters at Jewel Box
The Jewel Box Theatre continues the excellent tradition of introducing new playwrights to the scene with premiere performances. This year’s choice is “Excavation” by Rob Barron. Barron is an assistant professor of theatre at City College in New York where he teaches acting, directing and playwriting. He has written and directed several plays and “Excavation” is the first of his plays directed by another. Linda McDonald directs this world premiere in Oklahoma for the Jewel Box Theatre.
“Excavation” tells two stories of dinosaur lovers separated by two centuries and an ocean. Josh Peterson is a recent widower working in security at the Natural History Museum in New York City. His young son, Kenny is still grieving over the loss of his mother and immerses himself in the book about the fossil hunter, Mary Anning. The modern setting is fictional, but Mary Anning is a historical figure.
Mary Anning was born in 1799 and was known as a fossil collector, dealer and paleontologist due to the important finds she made in the Jurassic marine fossil beds at Lyme Regis in Dorset where she lived. She has been largely overlooked in the scientific community due to her lack of formal education, and also because women were not recognized in the scientific community in the early 19th century. Mary was finally recognized for her contributions by the Royal Society in 2010 as one of the ten British women who have most influenced the history of science. Mary Anning was also noted in her community for the unusual circumstances surrounding a sudden lighting storm during an equestrian show. A neighbor, Elizabeth Haskings, was holding the child Mary when lightning struck killing three women including Haskings. Mary’s survival was miraculous, and interestingly, she blossomed from a sickly toddler to a lively, curious and intelligent girl. She was often referred to as ‘lightning girl’ by those in the community where she searched for fossils to sell as a way of supporting her family.
“Excavation” intertwines her history with the fictional story of Josh and Kenny Peterson as they struggle to survive in a modern world with little support for a suddenly grieving father and son. Barron weaves the two stories together as the characters appear simultaneously and seem to interact on a mental level. It is the dedication of Mary Anning that gives the young boy hope.
Director McDonald uses a simple set that suggests that classical structure of a museum as well as the cliffs and pits of Dorset. The characters are well established with very good performances among the principles as well as versatile multiple cameo parts in the cast.
Mary Anning is played by A’Mari Rocheleau and her performance is excellent. Rocheleau establishes the slight abrasiveness that intelligent women often had to develop during this period yet she tempers Mary Anning’s personality with sensitivity and joy in her work. The role of Josh Peterson is wonderfully done by Chris Briscoe, harried, hapless and hopelessly confused about what needs to be done for his son, Kenny. Kenny is played by Nathan Ferguson and he does an exceptional job of portraying autism which can be devastating even in a mild form. David Burkhart, John Q. Wilson, Todd Murray, Curt Rose and CheyAnne Stickler round out this very competent cast with distinctive characterizations.
“Excavation” shows at the Jewel Box Theatre through December 9, 2012. Tickets are available at the box office by phone Tuesday through Friday afternoons at 405-521-1786. Also, tickets may be purchased on line at www.jewelboxtheatre.org. The Jewel Box Theatre is located at the First Christian Church at 3700 N. Walker in Oklahoma City. “Excavation” is a wonderful choice for families, especially those with exceptional children, and what child is not, after all, exceptional?
A Territorial Christmas Carol *****Let it Snow*****!
By guest blogger Kim Mahoney
It’s been nearly a year since we joined the Moody family, their neighbors, and surprise guests for Christmas on the Oklahoma prairie. This year marks the 25th annual production of the Pollard Theatre’s A Territorial Christmas Carol. Starting, Friday, November 23, and running through Sunday, December 23, the mysterious Charlie will be appearing at the Moody’s doorstep seeking warmth while waiting for the next train.
As the evening progresses, each visitor offers a gift to the Moodys for their hospitality during the holidays. With no gift in hand, Charlie offers to tell the story of the first Territorial Christmas as his gift. The Moodys and guests are held spellbound by his tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his conversion from a miserly curmudgeon to a kindly, giving patriarch in his community. As Ebenezer is led by three spirits back through the events of his life, the audience discovers why Scrooge had become so disillusioned and unhappy.
Audiences will meet throughout the show a host of memorable characters and adorable children. The actors will keep you engaged, smiling, laughing—and possibly bring a tear to your eye—as they portray events during the Christmas of 1889. Rotating sets, snowfall, and the question of who Charlie really is will keep patrons mesmerized.
This year patrons will be treated to several new faces among the familiar ones of the cast of A Territorial Christmas Carol. James Ong, W. Jerome Stevenson, Timothy Stewart, and James Hughes will return in their beloved roles of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Charles (Charlie) and Bob Crachit. I was able to visit with Jared Blount and Joshua Thomas McGowen about their feelings on joining the cast of A Territorial Christmas Carol. Blount said, “Being brought into a show with such a following is slightly intimidating, but I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience—providing I survive the rehearsals and 28 performances.” McGowen stated, “Yearly tradition, 28 performances, 18 or more kids, and snow on stage?! Count me in!” Also back for another year of fun are Gwendolyn Evans, Emily Brown, and Trinity Goodwin. Megan Montgomery will be making her Christmas debut as Mrs. Crachit.
The Pollard Theatre’s production of A Territorial Christmas Carol is being presented for the 25th time this year and is sure to have many sellout performances. Make plans now to attend and see why so many families make this heartfelt show an annual tradition. The production runs from November 23 to December 23 and will be presented on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00 pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning at 2:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 405-282-2800 or online at the thepollard.org. (Note: check for online only specials and remember group rates are available also.)
The Wonderful “Wizard of Oz”
The Poteet Theatre is transporting Oklahoma City Audiences once again with their latest production – “The Wizard of Oz” by the beloved L. Frank Baum. Shawna Linck directs the musical adaptation by Frank Gabrielson using the lyrics from the movie score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg.
“The Wizard of Oz” opens Friday, November 16 and runs through Sunday December 9 with performances at 8 pm and matinee performances at 3 pm. Call 405—023 or visit www.poteettheatre.com for ticket information and delight in Dorothy’s adventures with the Scarecrow, Tinman, Cowardly Lion and Toto as they go ‘off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”
“The Normal Heart” Beautifully Portrayed by Great Cast
The Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre is presenting “The Normal Heart” by Larry Kramer. This show is an autobiographical tragedy. The names have been changed to avoid the complicated nightmare dealing with estate resolution in the case of the deceased and also to be more sensitive to family members. But the story is true and many of us remember first hearing about the ‘gay plague’ that was vaguely covered beginning in 1981. It took years, but we soon learned about AIDS.
The subject matter is sensitive to many because the disease is transmitted in many cases by a promiscuous life style in the homosexual community. Initially, not knowing that the transmission occurred in other ways as well, the disease was called GRID (gay related immune deficiency) and as more information became available, AIDS.
The specific interest in the production is narrow—the gay and lesbian community who are most affected and initially the only segment of the population known to be affected. Some are offended by the subject matter yet everyone is in danger. Taking place from July 1981 to May 1984 in New York City, this is the story of those at ‘ground zero’ from the first cases diagnosed.
What is universal to all, regardless of their feelings about the disease or homosexual activity is the frustration these men and women faced as they attempted to get answers and develop information for those infected with the virus and those in danger. They ran up against a brick wall of uncaring, unhearing, uninformed bureaucracy. This is familiar to everyone to a greater or lesser extent, and is probably the biggest threat to freedom faced in the 21st century.
Dr. Emma Brookner is the doctor in New York City who studied, treated and fought for answers and treatment from the earliest days. She steadfastly stood by her patients, a constantly growing number of individuals, but with changing faces as so many of them died. A victim of polio, she sets aside her own pain to help these poor young men coming to her with hope, and held their hands when hope began to die. The role of Dr. Brookner is beautifully played by Stacey Logan who captures her rough and tough exterior tempered by a heart filled with love.
Ned Weeks is the writer who struggles in the way that all writers do. His only love in life is that shared with his straight brother Ben, who accepts him. Unfortunately Weeks cannot commit himself to any relationship requiring him to give of himself that love which is romantic. When he finally finds that one person he can share his life with he loves unconditionally and completely. As he first discovers that many of his friends are afflicted he naturally begins to fight for information and help. As he becomes personally affected, facing the loss of someone he loves, his fight becomes desperate. Jonathan Beck Reed captures Ned Weeks perfectly revealing a man who is courageous, outspoken and above all highly principled. Michael Jones is an excellent Ben Weeks, a man who can love and accept a younger brother who has crossed a line that many of the era could not cross. This takes place only 30 years ago and there are still many people who refuse to accept such an alien life style, yet Ben Weeks, does so wholeheartedly and loves his brother unabashedly. The performance of Jones reveals this, and yet we see the natural reservations he hides from his beloved brother until they become temporarily estranged.
Weeks forms one of the first organization to combat AIDS in New York City. His colleague is Bruce Niles a handsome man firmly in the closet. Niles is elected President and his cautious approach is sensible but seems to reflect his need to remain hidden from public view to protect his position. Weeks and Niles butt heads continually. Drew Pollack shows the audience the horrible conflict he faces daily as he struggles with the bureaucracy and the loss of lovers. Tommy Boatwright is the flamboyant member of the organization. He likes to shock and swish just a little and could never stay in any closet. And he is the wisest member of the group in understanding the human condition. Brian Hamilton adds just the right amount of poignancy to the role, and a nice touch of humor.
Matthew Alvin Brown is Felix Turner, the young lover of Ned Weeks. The profoundly deep feelings that develop between the two of them as they meet and fall in love during this battle is stirring. Brown and Beck beautifully portray a loving couple facing tragedy with grace and strength.
Michael Corolla plays Mickey Marcus, the quiet, unassuming and very effective member of the organization. He takes care of the details with determination and dedication. When the depths of his passion and anger is revealed it is both shocking and natural, and Corolla’s characterization is superb.
Terry Veal is an officious bureaucrat in the Mayor’s office. He must balance his naturally bureaucratic attitude with his genuine concern as a gay man in a public setting. The character Veal develops of Hiram Keebler is one of the best performances Veal has ever given. Wil Rogers as Craig Donner and an orderly, Scott C. Hynes as David and an orderly, Scotty Taylor as Grady, Daniel Leeman Smith as an orderly and Larry Sharp as the Examining Doctor all perform excellently amidst this great cast.
Ben Hall, Assistant to the Director is invaluable, but the credit of this excellent production must go to Rene Moreno. Moreno takes a great cast and allows them full range in an extremely tragic story yet orchestrates this production with a light but firm touch. The piece is thought provoking and tears stream from the eyes of the audience as they leave the theatre, but they are also hopeful and ready to fight, whether the issue is the same as just seen or another, they understand and are ready for any fights they must face. Further, Moreno’s direction allows the audience to be entertained. It is hard to make such a tragedy as this entertaining to a general audience, yet in “The Normal Heart” this is accomplished.
The crew, the understudies, the CityRep management the actors and most of all Director Moreno should be congratulated heartily for this production – a production Larry Kramer could see himself in as if gazing in a mirror. There is a wall of petty indifference that Weeks came up against and could not dent, not because he is gay, but because the wall doesn’t care. While “The Normal Heart” is of specific interest to the gay and lesbian community, it is universal because sooner or later we will all bang our heads with futility and desperation against such a wall.
“The Normal Heart” plays through November 18, 2012 in the Freede Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall. Curtain is at 7:30 pm for the convenience of the parking public and 1:30 for matinees. For tickets call CityRep at 405-848-3761 or visit www.cityrep.com. Go – not because you’re gay if you are, but because you are human as we all are.
Jewel Box Presents World Premiere of Excavation!
History intertwines with fiction when the Jewel Box Theatre 2012 original play winner, EXCAVATION, opens November 15th at 3700 N. Walker, for its world premiere.
Twelve-year-old Mary Anning is strolling along the beach in 1811 Lyme Regis, England, when she uncovers a fossil so big the world is stunned. Young Kenny lives in present-day New York City, and is grieving for the loss of his mother, with whom he shared a love of dinosaurs. Since Kenny has not spoken since her death, it is up to the father to care for his son.
Author Rob Barron beautifully weaves the past and present together as Anning visits Kenny to share her love of life and excavation. That visit will change their lives in a journey for both hearts.
EXCAVATION plays Thursday-Saturday at 8:00 PM, and Sunday at 2:30 PM, through December 9th.
Call 521-1786 weekday afternoons for reservations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rob Barron is an assistant professor of theatre at City College of New York, where he teaches classes in acting, directing, and playwriting. His professional associations are with such prestigious organizations as the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, The Actors Studio, Soho Repertory Theatre, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Barron has an extensive list of directorial credits, including The Phantom of the Opera, A Christmas Carol, Les Miserables, Little Women, Romeo and Juliet, Treasure Island, and Around the World in 80 Days.
Although he enjoys his work as a director and playwright, Barron has a great passion for teaching because he feels it is about helping others on their road to discovery.
His play, EXCAVATION, came from his interest in dinosaurs, which he shares with his own son, and will be the first of his shows that Barron has not directed himself.
Rob is expected to come from New York to see the world premiere of his play at the Jewel Box. For all nine of the theatre’s world premieres, the author has attended a production of their show! How lucky we are!
—Jana Hester
Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’ the Latest Offering in Reduxion’s Revolution
Poster for RTC’s production of Richard III, designed by Erin Woods
And I do mean latest. Just about everyone dies. Walking into the theater, the only thing I knew about Richard III was that it is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. Tyler Woods directs, bringing the production from 15th century Wars of the Roses to the 20th century, between World Wars I and II, likening the rise of Richard III to Hitler’s. Woods further modernizes Shakespeare’s classic with intermittent musical numbers (closing with an a cappella version of Radiohead’s Paranoid Android!). Altogether, it is well paced and produced, though I feel a few of the more surreal touches may be a bit ambitious for an otherwise fairly straightforward adaptation.
Catherine Pitt (Production Stage Manager and Properties Design) and Hanna Matter (Assistant Stage Manager) manage to effectively portray every scene with minimal equipment, everything moved on and off stage by cast members between scenes. Lloyd Cracknell (Costume Design) and Amy Kercher (Costume Assistant) seem to have a lot of fun dressing the cast in everything from flapper-esque dresses to military uniforms, and the detachable Nazi armbands are an interesting touch. Music Directors Suzanne Stanley and Andrew Rathgeber definitely make some bold choices, not least being the French number that dances King Edward IV out of this life (choreographed by Jessa Schinske and Sam Bearer).
Rex Daugherty stars as Richard III, and does a great job. Daugherty is in nearly every scene, and his huge energy and obvious love for the theatre goes a long way toward making Shakespeare more accessible to the audience. Kris Schinske is Queen Elizabeth, and gives you a sense of what the emotional toll must have been for a woman whose ambition was rivaled only by her love for her family. Cristela Carrizales plays several characters (Queen Margaret, Lord Mayor of London, etc.) well, but truly shines when she leads the cast in song. Rathgeber (as Duke of Buckingham) and Stanley (Lady Anne, Duke of York, etc.) both exhibit similar strengths. Jennifer Casteel plays the Duchess of York, and though she’s given relatively few lines, she makes them count. Oliver Archibald is awesome as James Tyrell. Bearer plays King Edward IV and gives you the sense that he really wants the best for his family and England. Jeremy Lister plays several characters, definitely having the most fun as Cardinal Bourchier. Sue Ellen Reiman is great as Lady Hastings (though I was a bit confused by the character in general, as she wears a suit and both Lady and Lord Hastings are often referenced). Jessa Schinske plays several roles, but her Prince Edward is definitely my favorite.
Reduxion Theatre Company continues the work professed in their mission statement, “To professionally produce both classical and contemporary theatre, enriching Oklahoma’s cultural, educational and economic climate, attracting artists and audiences from around the world”. Their fifth season, “Reduxion Revolution,” works to stretch Oklahoma’s cultural imagination with offerings not typically accessible to local audiences. Richard III runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through November 25th at the Broadway Theater at 8PM. Tickets and more information can be found online at Reduxion Theatre Company.
