by Terrance Mc Arthur
Now is the summer of our discontent…because we’re in the San Joaquin Valley, and it’s summer, and it’s hot hot HOT! However, in the air-conditioned Warnor’s Theatre, the Chanticleer Shakespeare Co.’s production of William Shakespeare’s Richard III, the temperature dips into “the winter of our discontent,” a grim world of power-plays, political schemes, murders of convenience, and a parade of ghosts.
Richard III is known as one of the great villains of history and literature, a verdict written by his enemies, the victors of the Battle of Bosworth Field. Was he a Machiavellian murderer, a political chameleon who clawed his way to the top?
In the reign of Edward IV (George Mount), Richard of Gloucester (Blake Ellis), commiserates with his brother Clarence (Cameron Varner), accused of treason by a misinterpreted prophecy, on his way to the Tower of London, where Richard would have him killed. Richard brazenly woos and wins Lady Anne (Alexandra Everbach), whose father and husband he had killed. Political enemies are arrested and killed. Upon Edward’s death, Richard is proclaimed Richard III, King of England, and orders the murder of the young princes who were ahead of him in line for the throne. Much blood is spilt, some of it onstage.
This is the first production for “Chanticleer Shake,” a professional theatre company that mixes Pros (Actors Equity union members) and local performers. The Artistic Director of the troupe is Ellis, and he brings an impressive list of acting and teaching credits with him to the role of Richard. He sneers, he mocks, and he revels when his plan comes together. He is commanding, pushy even, yet there is a subtle magnetism that draws power to him.
Shakespeare’s text covers the years 1471 to 1485, but this production includes modern dress and near-steampunk elements in Kelly Pantzlaff Curry’s costume designs. Dan Aldape’s scenic and digital designs provide moving panels that become massive portals, fiery battlefields, and a dreamy wilderness inhabited by wandering specks of red light. Brandi Martin’s lighting conceals and reveals. His interactions with Everbach as he wheedles and worms his way into Lady Anne’s heart are mirrored by her attitude change from raging hatred to grudging acceptance.
Brandon Weis, executive director of CSC, changes from a willing participant in Richard’s plans to a disenchanted rebel who defects to the side of Richmond (Trevor Gaddis), who will become Henry VII of the House of Tudor. Leslie Martin as Queen Margaret, widow of Henry VI, gets to rail and curse Richard and others. Kathleen McCall, as the Duchess of York, Richard’s mother, comes to realize her son’s true nature. Marikah Christine Leal and James Anderson make a deadly duo as Richard’s dark killers of the inconvenient, Varner dies well as the doomed Clarence. Besides his turn as Edward IV, Mount elicits laughs as the Lord Mayor of London, a glad-handing politician.
Brad Myers’ streamlined direction fairly gallops across the stage without intermission, with wondrous touches that heighten the theatricality. Traditionally, the play begins with a solitary Richard laying out his cynical plans for domination, but Myers turns it into a celebration of the wheelchair-bound Edward IV, with Richard beginning with a toast to the king.
Richard III plays at the majestic Warnor’s Theatre, 1400 Fulton St., Fresno, until June 15. For information and tickets go to the Chanticleer website. This is the last weekend of the limited run. Shakespeare aficionado or not, you need to see it.
Photos provided by Chanticleer Shakespeare Co.
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