Reviewed by Judy Richter
There's something magical about
going to California Shakespeare Theater. Even when the fog starts to roll in, the wind
comes up and the temperature goes down, the outdoor theater's magnificent
background of rolling golden hills casts a spell. Furthermore, artistic
director Jonathan Moscone's choices for each season seldom disappoint.
All
of the above applies to this season's opening production, William
Shakespeare's
"Pericles."
Guest director Joel Sass uses only eight actors (plus a four-member ensemble) playing
multiple roles. They tell the tale of a prince who wins his wife, loses her in
childbirth, gives his newborn daughter to friends to care for, learns later
that they've supposedly killed her, but eventually is reunited with both wife
and daughter. Magic, coincidence and the rewards of virtue all play a role in a
drama that takes its characters and audience on a voyage to many Mediterranean
lands.
Imaginative
designs provide guideposts to those lands. Set designer Melpomene Katakalos has created a desert-like setting
strewn with pillows, oriental rugs and an arching tree trunk along with dry
grasses and sand. Costumes by Raquel M. Barreto yield more visual clues not only
of place but also of character, as actors shift in and out of roles.One concern
for the actors, though: They're all barefoot, which can't be much fun on cold
nights.
Vocal
and text coach Lynne Soffer helps with accents that vary according to locale. The
work of lighting designer Russell H. Champa and sound designer Jeff Mockus
provides some
terrific effects, especially the storms that wrack Pericles' ship. Completing
the aural effects is the music of Greg Brosofske. Marybeth Cavanaugh, movement director, creates the
dance scenes.
All
of this design work would be for naught without a talented, nimble cast.
Fortunately, this production has one, starting with Christopher Kelly as the noble Pericles, among
other roles. Shawn Hamilton opens the show as Gower, the wise old narrator who sings
the introduction. Ron Campbell's roles range from the incestuous King Antiochus to a
grass-skirt wearing fisherman. Sarah Nealis is seen as Antiochus' daughter as
well as Marina, Pericles' daughter. Alex Morf's roles range from Antiochus'
evil henchman to Leonine, the governor who's won over by Marina's virtue and
then wins her hand. Danny Scheie is seen as the wise old Helicanus and the bawdy Boult. Domenique
Lozano also
plays both good and evil characters, as does Delia MacDougall, first seen as Thasia, Pericles'
wife, and later as a bawd in a fat suit. A four-member ensemble also appears in
many roles, starting as tigers in Antiochus' court.
The
production clocks in at about three hours with intermission, but thanks to the
skillful work of everyone involved, it moves quickly. It also signals an auspicious
start to the season.
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