Cymbeline Redeems

As you may recall, the last Shakespeare Theater production Nicole and I saw was Candide at Harman Hall.  And my review wasn't exactly glowing. But the season has been redeemed by Cymbeline.  The story of a king, but really of a king's daughter, from the opening scene you wonder is it a tragedy? A comedy? A romance? It really knows no classification.

A lesser performed and infrequently read play of Shakespeare's written near the end of his career (or so it is believed, there is still question as to when it was actually penned), it weaves a tale of virtue, forgiveness and redemption set against the back drop of treachery, maliciousness and war. Highlights of the production includes what I can only describe as a "Jersey Shore"-style Cloten, the egocentric, lustful and ridiculous son of the Queen, who seeks the hand and virtue of his step-sister, Imogen, our pure and true protagonist.  Deliberately written as the comic relief, the artistic director took tremendous anachronistic license to underscore the character's impotence by exchanging a slow-moving red motor scooter for the valiant steed you know the self-impressed Cloten pictures for himself. 

Other stand outs from this performance were the unwitting sons of King Cymbeline, raised as mountain men with the kind of social skills that provide for moments of pure hilarity. But more potent than their comedic value, is the almost child-like innocence with which they view the world.  They live without complication and see the world in the same way.  They are the "set of clear eyes" through which the audience can experience the characters in their most unfettered forms.

Last, but certainly not least, was Gretchen Hall, the extremely talented actress that played Imogen.  Her portrayal of the heroine, around who's virtue the entire plot turns, was sweet and tender as the character requires.  Yet her tenacity and grit come through even the tenderest of moments, making her a force to be reckoned with as both Posthumus's devoted wife and King Cymbeline's wandering daughter.  All in all, her performance was stellar.

Running through March 6th, Cymbeline is worth every penny.  Check it out.

P.S. This post marks my 100th! Sort of like the 100th episode of a long-running TV show, I feel like I should have a cake to celebrate. Maybe I'll make a new cake I've never tried and blog about it. Thoughts?