Reviewed by Susanna Wu-Pong
Director James Ricks of Henley Street Theatre does it again. From the opening scene through the climactic ending, Ricks’ production of Julius Caesar, with its tangle of deceit, betrayal, and vindication, is riveting. The pace of this timeless classic ensnares and fascinates audiences for the duration of the disturbing and sometimes downright scary tale. An escalating body count, resulting from copiously bloody murder and hari-kari, combined with staging of actors throughout the house envelopes the viewer smack-dab into the midst of ruthless political intrigue fraught with raw ambition, vicious assassination, and devilish conspiracy. It’s twisted fun for the whole family – at least for those older than fourteen or so.
The backdrop is twentieth-century fascist Europe. The fusion of evocative and edgy scenic design by Tennessee Dixon and the rich and detailed costuming by Margarette Joyner provide the perfect framework to translate this ancient Roman tragedy into its modern context. The haunting lighting (from Andrew Bonniwell) and dramatic and ominous sound (Ricks’ handiwork) contribute to the memorable ambiance while punctuating the emotion of each and every scene.
Shakespeare’s most complex character from Julius Caesar, Brutus (yes, as in “Et tu, Brute?”) is performed with nuance and distinction by Dan Stearns. Stearns aptly portrays Brutus’s inner conflict and dignity as he is unwittingly drawn into Cassius’s scheme to overthrow the honorable Caesar, his best friend. His quiet monologue, followed by the poignant interplay with Portia, is wrenching.
Jeff Schmidt’s portrayal of Antony is powerful and emotional. Antony grieves over Caesar’s loss, first privately, then in a eulogy where the audience is surrounded by grieving townspeople, evoking sniffles throughout the house. His famous speech (“Friends, Romans, countrymen…”) is delivered with passion and just the right dose of sarcasm. Katrinah Carol Lewis always pleases, this time in her role as Portia. Her stage presence immediately draws us into her world as Brutus’s concerned wife who unsuccessfully implores him to share his confidence.
Jay Millman plays a humble Caesar who ignores the warnings of the believable Soothsayer (Kyle Butler, also plays Octavius) and his wife Calpurnia to use caution when going to the
Senate. Instead, Caesar boldly strides toward his destiny (“Death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.”) Jonathan Hardison is the scheming yet ingratiating Cassius who engineers Caesar’s demise (“He thinks too much; such men are dangerous.”) Melissa Johnston Price convincingly performs Calpurnia with a satisfying mixture of subtlety and nobility. Michael Perez and Andrew Boothby both do a great job as Decius and Casca, respectively.
The continuing relevance of this 400-year old masterpiece illustrates the genius that is William Shakespeare. Ironically, this bloody tale may actually make you feel better about twenty-first-century American politics. Bravo to Henley Street Theater’s dynamic duo, James Ricks and Jacqueline O’Connor, managing director, who for six seasons have continued to produce innovative, relevant, and affordable classical and contemporary productions.
Make a date to see Julius Caesar at Gottwald Playhouse Richmond CenterStage through April 20. Call 1-800-514-3849 or visit http://henleystreettheatre.org for tickets.
