Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure

Theatre for a New Audience

Polonsky Shakespeare Center

July 1, 2017

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The Theatre for a New Audience production of Measure for Measure brings this dark Shakespeare comedy to life with unexpected vim.  Director Simon Godwin sets the play in overtly promiscuous locations.  This strongly frames the need for severity and verifies the test for moral corruption.  As with every Theatre for a New Audience production this season, the design elements are well conceived and the casting is stupendous.

When the Duke (played by Jonathan Cake) is brought down by his own misconduct, he delegates his power to Angelo (played by Thomas Jay Ryan) in order to seek respite and reflect.  Angelo’s first act is to condemn Claudio (played by Leland Fowler) to death for lewd acts.  Claudio convinces his friend Lucio (played by Haynes Thigpen) to find his sister Isabella (played by Cara Ricketts) in order to persuade Angelo to be merciful.  Isabel, who is about to take her holy vows, agrees to speak on her brother’s behalf.  What ensues proves the Duke’s suspicion that corruption breeds from power.  He disguises himself as a monk to observe Angelo’s behavior and assist Claudio and Isabella in their fight for justice.

Thomas Ray Ryan & Cara Ricketts
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Cara Ricketts, Thomas Jay Ryan, and Jonathan Cake fearlessly lead this amazing cast and take the audience on a phenomenal journey of desire, doubt, and righteousness.  Jonathan Cake is commanding and magnanimous as the Duke.  His character is both flawed and charming.  He is strong and magnetic in the follow through of his cunning plan to expose Angelo’s true self.  Cara Ricketts masterfully discovers and exposes the many layers in the character of Isabella.  Her fears, her beliefs, and her loyalty all combine to deliver Shakespeare’s words with a fervent focus.  Thomas Jay Ryan’s Angelo is obstinate and strong willed.  The glimpse into his soul and desire is surprising at first.  The severity of his force and shame is brutal and real.  These three actors make bold choices with subtle nuances that set the stage on fire and engage the audience on numerous levels.

Jonathan Cake
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The final act is superbly directed.  The action builds steadily, bringing all the elements of the story to climactic brilliance.  There are strong performances by Hayes Thigpen, Merritt Janson, Oberon K.A. Adjepong, Christopher Michael McFarland, and January LaVoy.

Measure for Measure is playing downtown Brooklyn at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center through July 16.  Don’t miss it! 

 

Domenick Danza