It is known for being an enchanting tale that includes many magical elements and songs, and falls under the genre of tragi-comedy. The play is centered on the protagonist Prospero's life, who is a powerful sorcerer ousted from his kingdom along with his daughter Miranda to a remote island where he resides with his two servants, Caliban and Ariel. Viola can not and will not run away with Will: “Your words will be immortal, and I cannot be the woman who denies the world your words.'The Tempest' was written between 16 and is one of the last plays written by William Shakespeare. Viola’s future lies with Lord Wessex and sailing to the New World of Virginia. One of the most touching and wistful scenes is the final tomb scene of Romeo and Juliet (yes, the title and plot get changed), enacted by Viola and Will in a rescue attempt at Burbage’s Theater. Susan Mickey’s costumes are sumptious Elizabethan-period gowns, capes, boots and bustles, only eclipsed by the appearance of Queen Elizabeth’s royal gown stunners (I’d like to see that costume budget!).
The set is lit by candles and chandeliers and decorated with tapestries, curtains and minimal set pieces.
The action all takes place on a revolving timbered set designed by Scott Davis, who depicts Elizabethan England in all its taverns, palace rooms, bedchambers, theaters and the requisite balcony. She may be acidi, but she is knowledgeable and merciful: “I think I know something about a woman in a man’s profession.” And the swashbuckling leading actor of the times, aka “The Prince of the Provinces,” Ned Alleyn magnificently is played by Luigi Sottile. Linda Reiter, every inch Queen Elizabeth I in demeanor, voice and posture, dominates her brief scenes. Scott Danielson only is in a few scenes, but his character, Wabash, is teddy-bear lovable and makes a sweet transition I won’t spoil by telling. And Dennis Grimes is the very unlikeable,unpleasant, cuckolded Lord Wessex. Michael Perez is a wonderful Marlowe (the balcony scene where he is mentor to Will’s wooing is wonderful). Catherine Smitko is the loyal nurse who aids Viola in her dreams and schemes. Rains is Fennyman, the “shut it” money man who transforms from “theater is profit” to a respecter of the craft of acting.ĭash the dog is Spot, a scene stealer to be sure, but very necessary to the plot. Yando gets to deliver the best summary of theater and plays ever written: “With insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster, it always works out in the end, and I don’t know how – it’s a mystery.” Ron E. Both are delightfully commanding in their scenes Stickney is his rival, the infamous important Burbage. Popular Chicago actor Larry Yando is the beleaguered Rose theater owner Henslowe, and Timothy D. Nick Rehberger is a handsome, articulate, comedic Will and is well matched with the desirous of poetry, adventure and ungovernable love Kate McGonigle, who plays Viola. All of Shakespeare’s friends, rivals and kindred spirits are present in this production. The 20-actor ensemble excels and is to be savored. And, better still, all the mythology and scandal involving Christopher Marlowe is interwoven throughout the play.
There’s an original musical score by Neil Bartram that’s Elizabethan in nature, containing Shakespeare text with lovely vocals. There’s sword fighting, a dog named Spot, dances, complications, punny groaners, recurring jokes and double entendres. And, in typical Shakespeare fashion, their tale is intertwined with that of another well-known star-crossed couple. Naturally, Viola becomes Will’s muse, and they embark on a passionate and arduous love affair, his marriage in Stratford “long dead and buried.” Viola also is so desperate to be onstage she frequently will disguise herself as a man, despite the law making it illegal and forbidden to have women on stage. Fortunately, Will meets Viola de Lesseps, a maiden of money and status, but, unfortunately, soon to be married to the unpleasant Lord Wessex. He has writer’s block and is overdue in completing his latest dramatic comedy, “Romeo and Ethel, the Pirates Daughter.” And he’s promised the comedy, which may or may not have a dog (you’ll get that reference when you see the play), to two competing acting troupes. Young aspiring playwright Will Shakespeare is in a bit of a mess. Based on the Academy Award-winning 1998 film of the same name, “Shakespeare in Love’s” screenplay, penned by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, was adapted for the stage by Lee Hall – that’s three Tony and Olivier award winning playwrights who crafted this piece of historical fiction. You do not need to like Shakespeare to enjoy Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s 30th season culminating production of “Shakespeare in Love.” This Rachel Rockwell-directed romantic comedy is enchanting, spirited and comfortable.