*** RECOMMENDED For lovers of Shakespeare, and especially for patrons of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, this is most definitely not the winter of our discontent. Edward Hall, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's new artistic director, is making his directorial debut with a smashing and gore-filled "Richard III" which is, quite simply, the most accessible version of this great work that you are likely ever to see. Shrewdly revising some of the text by transposing certain scenes, combined with an audacious choice in casting of the titular role and assembling a dynamite design team, Hall has stamped this "Richard III" with a distinctive style. The resulting production is brazenly original, skillfully executed (pun intended) and downright disturbing. Oh...it's terribly funny, too. 3.5 SPOTLIGHTS
Not to fear if you are unfamiliar with this work, or the historical events that occurred beforehand, which is detailed in Shakespeare's Henry VI trilogy. Hall's version of "Richard III" is structured so that all of the action in the first half, which mostly entails Richard's vainglorious fervor for the crown and the people that he eliminates in order to attain it, is delivered with straightforward accuracy and swift pacing. The second half finds Richard, Duke of Gloucester, now King Richard III, slowly losing his grasp on his power and, quite clearly, his mind as well.
Since Richard was born with a disability, he is commonly considered, by Elizabethan standards, to be a villain because of that fact. Regardless of this disability, Richard's character flaws far outweigh those of his physical being. Playing Richard in this production is Katy Sullivan, who is fantastic in the role. Sullivan clearly relishes this rich and complex character, delivering her clever asides with abundant glee and scaling the highest heights as well as plunging into the darkest depths with the greatest of ease.
Supporting Sullivan is a very strong ensemble, including Jessica Dean Turner as Queen Elizabeth, King Edward IV's wife, Jaeda LaVonne as the easily seduced Lady Anne and a superbly stoic Libya V. Pugh as Queen Margaret, widow of King Henry VI. Scott Aiello is wonderful as George, Duke of Clarence, who is one of Richard's brothers. Aiello is especially effective during the monologue in which he recounts a dream that he had of his childhood with Richard upon the sea. Debo Balogun is a delight as Sir Richard Ratcliffe and Yao Dogbe is a virile and passionate Duke of Buckingham.
Much of the success of this "Richard III" is the overall look and feel of it all. A great deal of credit goes to Scenic and Costume Designer Michael Pavelka. Even before the first lines of the play are spoken, numerous cast members, clad in white surgical aprons and wearing masks concealing their faces, are loitering about the perimeter of the stage and even out into the audience. These Victorian orderlies seem to be inviting us into their own personal psychiatric ward. The set, which strongly resembles a morgue, consists of an all-white tiled floor, complete with a drain in the center, supposedly to rinse away all of the bodily fluids. The remainder of the set is a large, plastic slaughterhouse curtain positioned upstage and two mobile surgical screens, plus an oversized gurney which transforms into a throne, a steed, etc. This Bedlam is a sheer nightmare.
Pavelka's costumes are, not surprisingly, mostly black or gray in hue. However, there are some notable exceptions. Most refreshing are the Two Murderers, played as eager vaudevillians by Mo Shipley and Mark Bedard, who are dressed in crisp plaid vests and matching trousers and could easily have just stepped out of a Savile Row tailor shop.
Adding to the extra eerie ambiance of this "Richard III" is the remarkable work of Music Director Jon Trenchard, who has done arrangements of English choral music that ranges from "Dies Irae" to fifteenth-century madrigals and even incorporates some haunting children's playground songs. His original musical compositions are spot-on as well.
Come and enjoy this exquisite "Richard III." You won't forget any of these victims or their demise. It's easy to follow along. Just count the black Mylar body bags.
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"Richard III" continues until March 3, 2024
Chicago Shakespeare Theater is located on Navy Pier at 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
Parking in CST’s designated area in the Navy Pier Garage is available at a 40% discount with validation from CST.
Tickets start at $38. Please call 312-595-5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com
Run time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission