| Virginia Shakes Goes 2 for 2 | | Print | |
| Written by David Springstead | |
| Sunday, 15 July 2007 | |
.jpg "Image") "Dying is easy, comedy is hard." These are the supposed last words of Sir Donald Wolfit, British actor. For anyone that's ever tried to perform a comedic piece of theatre they know the truth of these words. Fortunately for the theatre-going public, we are blessed that the current production of Love's Labors Lost, currently playing on the stage at Phi Beta Kappa Hall in Williamsburg, makes it look easy. After mounting a wonderful production of "Romeo and Juliet" we now see the company's flexibility with this blast of a comedy.
Though a little slow at the start (a fair amount of exposition to
set the tone of the show) it quickly finds it's way as the cast goes
from first to fourth gear in terms of pacing, action, speech, and at
times frenetic activity. Watching this company of players work their
magic is bliss itself, and the by-play between the characters is both
believable and entertaining. What a treat it must be for the director
to work with such a multi-talented group of people. Mr. Owens has used his characters well, and we are rarely disappointed in his staging of them. The eyes of the audience are well focused on the important action, and the small bits of by-play away from the main scene don't generally catch our attention. Once more the scenic design of Michael Mehler is extraordinary in concept, and well used by the director to set his action of the characters.
Costumer Patricia M. Wesp has done a fine job, especially with the ladies attire. However the gentlemen of the time, especially the royalty, would never have been without a high collar, a cravat at times, spats, gloves, and most especially hats. It was an era of high fashion and while a basic 3 piece suit works, I missed little touches such as a morning jacket with striped pants for the King. Because this production is in actuality more of an ensemble piece, it is hard to single out specific performances for mention. But having said that I'll try anyway. Again we are treated to the "brotherhood of man" with the action of the quartet of men making up the King of Navarre, and his 3 lords. Matt Archambault, Kip Pierson, Greg Parmeter, and Michael Fisher are a show unto themselves. Their interaction with each other sets the stage for the situation which arises to throw them all into a state of near panic as they each become love-struck after swearing off women. Most notable among them is Kip Pierson, who once more shines forth as a force to be reckoned with on stage. Shakespeare had a tendency to write a "clown" into many of his shows, a sort of comic relief character who could step into a scene and bring a quick spirit of mirth to the proceedings. In this case that is the role of Costard, beautifully played by Aaron White. What a wonderful contrast to his prior performance as Romeo in the earlier season offering. His sense of timing, his absurdity of character, and his sense of playfulness with the cast allowed full out belly laughs from the audience. What a great role for an actor.
The ladies are not to be missed either. The Princess of
France and her court provide us with the romantic discomfort of the
gentlemen of court, and also allow us a chance to witness moments of
pure delight as they all go off hunting with overly large rifles.
Rachel Schwartz, Laura Frye, Barrie Kreinik, and Maura Roche handle
their roles with ease, and as I said before the costuming is
exquisite. If this was how women of France behaved I'd move there. |
Whatever they're paying
Mr. Mehler for his talents as a set designer isn't enough. 
Supporting
these fine gentlemen is another "clownish" type of performance in the
character of Don Adriano deArmado. Well portrayed by Jace Smykil we
are treated to yet another outlandish role. The times he upon the
stage are throughly enjoyed, and he also recieved many full throated
laughs.