Richard III
This compelling history play that charts the swift rise of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to the throne of England through ruthless murder and ambition is not only charming but also wickedly funny. A Noise Within presents their take on the rise and fall of perhaps one of Shakespeare’s most entertaining, if not greatest, characters and the world that he manipulates to his own pleasures.
Co-Artistic Director Geoff Elliott is in the director’s chair for this piece and sets the play in 1483 during the year of the battle of Bosworth, the intended late medieval period for which this history is written. The almost bare stage save a few upstage playing areas born for the rough rock is a compliment to Darcy Scanlin’s design. The setting is brutal yet simple and never takes away from the action, only serving it and the actors. Ken Booth’s use of lighting sets scene both indoor and outdoor with ease and the use of the specials of Richard throughout the play is just marvelous. Nikki Delhomme’s visuals with costume design, from Richard’s elaborate king’s garb, to the beautiful armor and even Richard’s deformed hand are excellent in both how stunning they are and how the actors utilize and wear them so well.
Richard III is one of the few major plays that begins with title character opening the show. And with that comes the stress to carry the ball from the onset. Steve Weingartner, an ANW resident artist, starts the show a bang and never lets you down till his last breathe. He understands the nuance that this bottled spider uses to charm everyone and murder with a smile. His moments alone with audience are some of the very best in the whole show, and even better is his ability to not over play the humor. Even until the very end, you believe in Richard and while you feel guilty in liking him, you certainly miss him when he is gone.
Other impressive performances come for Susan Angelo as Queen Elizabeth, who has the most heartbreaking decent from over-burdened queen to destroyed widow. Also Lenne Klingaman as Lady Anne, who goes toe to toe with Weingartner’s Richard in the most brutal and moving courting scenes.
With an excellent cast, a swift pace of two and a half hours and an overall sense of entertainment, A Noise Within’s Richard III is must see if you haven’t had the pleasure of this fantastic play, and even more so if you.
Richard III is now playing at A Noise Within till December 12th. For tickets or more information go to www.anoisewithin.org or call 818.240.0910.