SpeakEasy Stage Company consistently delights and challenges audiences with its productions, many of which are Boston or New England premieres. Such is the case with the thoroughly delightful "Shakespeare In Love," based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. This production is directed by the gifted Scott Edmiston, who has this cast fine-tuned like a race car engine. The action is fast-paced and nonstop. For this stage adaptation, Original Music/Music Direction/Sound Design is provided by David Reiffel. Choreography and Movement is by Judith Chaffee, Fight Direction by Ted Hewlett. Scenic Design that faithfully recreates London's 16th century Rose Theatre is by Jenna McFarland Lord. Gorgeous period Costumes are by Rachel Padula-Shufelt. Lighting is by Karen Perlow.
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| Cast "Shakespeare In Love" Directed by Scott Edmiston SpeakEasy Stage Company Calderwood Pavilion Through Bebruary 10 Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots |
Mr. Edmiston's cast is stellar from top to bottom. Familiar faces blend with those who are new to the Boston stage:
- The incomparable Jennifer Ellis is Viola de Lesseps, unhappily betrothed to the pompous Lord Wessex, an excellent Lewis D. Wheeler. She longs to be an actor, but women are forbidden from treading the boards in Elizabethan times. So, she disguises herself as a boy to audition for a Will Shakespeare play in the works - "Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter"!!! She and the young unknown playwright fall in love, and Shakespearean complications ensue. It is the kind of bravura performance Boston audiences have come to expect from Ms. Ellis. I could compare her to a summer's day, but I digress.
- The young bard is played wonderfully by Boston newcomer George Olesky. The chemistry between him and Ms. Ellis' Viola is palpable and thrilling. His interpretation of the role makes the iconic Shakespeare human, flawed, and approachable.
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| George Olesky as Will Shakespeare Jennifer Ellis as Viola de Lesseps "Shakespeare In Love" Directed by Scott Edmiston SpeakEasy Stage Company Calderwood Pavilion Through February 10 Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots |
- Nancy E. Carroll is drolly regal as Queen Elizabeth I. Is there an actor working in Boston with a better deadpan face than that which Ms. Carroll brings to this role? But then she adds a dollop of fun to the character when the Queen cleverly rescues Viola after the young woman has been discovered acting in contravention of the law.
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- Ken Baltin is wondrous as the beleaguered theatre owner Henslowe, competing for plays by Marlowe and Shakespeare with his rival, the formidable Burbage, played with gusto by Omar Robinson.
- Eddie Shields returns from New York to create a memorable Christopher Marlowe - Kit. As Shakespeare's rival, friend and sometime muse, Mr. Shields' interpretation of the enigmatic playwright is both flamboyant and fey, and thoroughly convincing.
- Carolyn Saxon is solid as Viola's nurse, and a precursor to Juliet's nurse in the tragedy that is being written.
- Remo Airaldo is Fennyman, the money behind some of the plays. He also gives us a liberal dose of the Apothecary, festooned in a blue floppy hat.
- Jesse Hinsom is the self-absorbed actor, Ned Alleyn, returned from the provinces to reluctantly and gravely portray Mercutio.
- Damon Singletary ably handles to dual roles of Edmund Tilney, the rectitudinous Lord Chamberlain, and Sir Robert de Lesseps.
- Edward Rubenacker is Sam and Juliet, but he hankers to play Ethel!
- Steve Auger is Ralph/Nurse/Catling.
- Jade Guerra is Mistress Quickly and Kate
- Zaven Ovain is Frees/Peter/Tybalt/Musician
- Several actors double as musicians. They are Paul Alperin on cello, Cameron Beaty Gosselin on mandolin, Jeff Marcus on Lute.
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Many of us know this story from the film version. Seeing it develop live and on stage with additional music adds new dimensions to the enjoyment of this engaging tale - a romance, a comedy, a coming of age tale, a gentle feminist manifesto. We get to see Will struggle to become SHAKESPEARE,
Do not miss this theatrical delight. Through February 10th at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA.
Enjoy!
Al
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