Story by Carolyne Snipes
Photos Courtesy of Ariel Ogden
An ominous black backdrop thrusts forth a set of two balconies. Blue and yellow lights highlight the stage where a life-size scroll is cleverly unraveled with words from William Shakespeare. This is Love. Will. Shake.
The play is wrought with humor and the classic sadness that runs ramped throughout Shakespearean plays. Characters such as Feste, played by Andrew Nguyen, and his jaunty singing crew brought an added touch of joviality to the play. He was incredibly talented with his little bell and ukulele and created a sense that happiness was forthcoming.
The outstanding William W, played by Olivia Walton, not only delivered lines with a well-established Elizabethan accent, but also showered the crowd with intense emotions ranging from happiness to rage. William M, played by Andrew Krivoshein, brought the crowd back in time to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater with his well-versed recitation of William Shakespeare.
The costumes were a crucial aspect of the characters and brought forth a true sense of the period. Designed by Alexandra Bonds, the costumes ranged from the incredibly elaborate dresses of Queen Elizabeth to the minute costume of Orlando.
Each character shared with the audience his or her story, and as these stories mixed, narration by one or more characters helped to elicit who was who in each part. Though the play incorporated many of Shakespeare’s plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and the Twelfth Night into a 2-act play, it was highly confusing in some respects.
The intermingling of characters from each play was logical at times but sometimes caused the audience to feel a bit lost in all that was happening. One such part was the large “orgy” that took place with shoes and the ever-growing love triangles between the characters.
It was easy to get lost in the lust and love that each character evoked, but realize that not ten minutes prior that character was in the arms of another. It is not uncharacteristic of a Shakespeare play to have many lovers scorned, but these lovers seemed oddly conflicted within the story as well. Suffice to say, it wouldn’t be a Shakespearean play if it wasn’t a little confusing.
The staging was well done and there was a great amount of memorable scenes, including a sword fight in slow-motion. The use of fog, pop-up scenery and props were all good and simple enough to not take away from the actors’ performance.
Overall, this is not the best play that the theater has put on, but it has a great cast of characters that show true dedication to their part. The show isn’t recommended for those who aren’t familiar with Shakespeare, but if you have a true appreciation for his poetry and theater, this is the show to see.
To See or Not To See?
November 13, 2012
To See or Not To See?
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