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Madelyn Barkocy as Cordelia and Christopher Gibbs as King Lear |
The Chester Theatre Group is presenting what some consider "the greatest play ever written: William Shakespeare's King Lear.” Certainly, one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. The play has been widely adapted for the stage and motion pictures, with the title role coveted by many of the world's most accomplished actors, such as Ian Holm and Anthony Hopkins.
Lear would be a very ambitious
production for most professional theatres, but, for a community theatre with only a local pool of non-professional actors available for this large cast
production…….. it could have proven insurmountable. A BIG however, is the
talent and experience, particularly with Shakespeare, of director Kevern
Cameron. Cameron, or KC, has been able to cast King Lear with some of the
finest area talent, many of whom have worked with him as director or actor. First
and foremost, has to be his selection of veteran actor Christopher Gibbs as Lear,
King of Britain. Gibbs, with his nuanced performance ranging from a powerful,
in control, monarch to an aging victim of dementia, raises the play and the handsome
cast to a level that might be comparable to Off-Broadway. In other words, Gibbs
is magnificent in this dark role.
He is supported by a
marvelous cast, many new to the CTG audience, they include in particular; Lisa
Barnett as Goneril, Lear’s eldest daughter; Sky Spiegel Monroe as Regan (photo), Lear’s
second daughter;and Madelyn Barkocy as Cordelia, the youngest daughter. As the play opens, the three daughters and the
court are informed by Lear that he is weary of governing and has decided to reward
his three daughters by dividing his kingdom into three parts. A big however, is his demand that each
daughter express their love and devotion to him. The two oldest
profess that there is no man they love more than their father. The third, and
youngest, Cordelia chastises her sisters for declaring a greater love for father
over husband. Even unmarried, she scorns this insincere display of affection.
Lear is furious to the point he banishes her from the Kingdom. She gains an
enormous consolation prize when her suitor, and King of France (Eric Craft),
makes her his bride.
Her selfish, ambitious sisters are the
principal villains, first when they turn
their mad father out into the storm and then when they viciously put out the Earl
of Gloucester’s eyes for his loyalty to the King. Matt Meier is spot-on as
Gloucester (photo right). As is Derek Egidio as Edgar (photo). Mark Harvey as the loyal Earl of Kent
and Michael Yoder as Edmund an impressive villain. The King has no more loyal
servant than his Fool (Court Jester) played with appropriate passion by Sarah
Henley. George LaVigne, Jack Roberts, Keith Hoovler round out this exceptional cast. The ensemble players
(soldiers, guards, and servants) include Ted Holland, Jim Quikstad, and Amie
Quivey.
This is a dark tragedy of
the highest order… as Shakespeare presents us with possibly the most evil,
dysfunctional family in his, or any other playwright’s portfolio… in short,
this is not to be confused with a Neil Simon play. We suggest that you read a good
synopsis of the play in order to fully appreciate this in-the round
presentation.
Director Cameron (photo) offers
this advice: “Don’t go nuts trying to understand every word. Feel what the
music says those words want to accomplish. I never intended to love opera, but
unavoidable encounters made me love it. The music demanded I love it. I heard
La Boheme in Italian but never had any doubt what was going on. The music
taught me. Let your ears teach your eyes how, what, to see.”
Adding nicely to the
drama, Robert Jakuc performs the highly effective incidental music live.
Director Cameron’s creative team includes: Carol Holland producer and costumes;
Martha Riley production stage manager and lighting; Katherine Vega stage manager; Robert Jakuc, Ted Holland sound
operation; Cathy Braithwaite, Barb
Henderson properties; and George LaVigne fight coordinator.
Reviewed by Rick
Busciglio February 9, 2019
To purchase tickets ($20; $18 seniors/students), visit the CTG website at https://www.chestertheatregroup.org or call the box office to make a reservation at 908-879-7304.
Black River Playhouse, Corner Grove & Maple Streets, Chester, New Jersey.
MORE PHOTOS: (by Carol Holland)
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Keith Hoovler and Lisa Barnett |
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Christopher Gibbs |
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