A Midsummer Night’s Dream

 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 17, 2025

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company,
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is two hours of pure joy.  This is their thirtieth year of presenting free summer Shakespeare on the Lower East Side.  Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy has gathered a phenomenal troupe this summer to continue his well-loved tradition.  They are a highly skilled combination of accomplished regulars and bold new faces. 

Egea (played by Lizabeth Allen) brings his daughter, Hermia (played by Miranda Reilly) to Duke Theseus (played by David Marantz) because of her disobedience.  Egea wants Hermia to marry Demetrius (played by Kaleb Baker), but Hermia wants to marry Lysander (played by Patrick Hart).  To make matters worse, Demetrius has been spending time with Helena (played by Lia Bonfilio), but he does not love her.  Theseus proclaims that Hermia must follow her mother’s orders or suffer the consequences.  Lysander and Hermia plan to flee to where Athenian law has no power, and marry there.  Helena hears of this plan and tells Demetrius.  Their paths cross in the forest on a midsummer’s night, where magic and mischief run wild. 

David Marantz, Una Clancy,
& Alessandro Colla

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot regulars, David Marantz and Una Clancy double as Theseus/Oberon and Titania/Hippolyta.  Their relationships in these roles are strikingly different.  They light a fire as Oberon and Titania, creating edgy, zealous characters.  Miranda Reilly, Patrick Hart, Lia Bonfilio, and Kaleb Baker are passionate and endearing as Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius.  Their timing is strong, and their chemistry is potent.  Lizbeth Allen has a strong presence as Egea.  Thammie Laine Quach, Jasmine Gonzales, and Aria Martinelli are mystical and beguiling as Mustardseed, Moth, and Cobweb. 

The Mechanicals are a striking group of actors.  Alessandro Colla and Evangeline Fontaine make their long-awaited comeback to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot.  Mr. Colla is fierce and untamed as Bottom / Pyramus, and Ms. Fontaine is commanding and precise as Peter Quince.  Adam Joy Sall delivers a meek and tender Robin Starling / Moon.  Basil Lvoff is grounded and composed as Snug / Lion.  Marion Stenfort portrays Snout / Wall with a musical flair.  Chris Martel is charming as Flute / Thisbe.  Their individual characters are strong and distinct.  Their comic timing is impeccable.  

Andy Rowell as Puck

Andy Rowell delivers a devilish Puck.  He grabs the audience’s attention from the minute he enters, and they willingly follow him on his magical adventure.  He develops a stunning rapport with Mr. Marantz’s Oberone.  The brightest newcomer to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is Marie Claire as the Changeling.  

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is playing Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM through August 2.  The parking lot is on the corner of Rivington & Norfolk.  Take the F Trian to Delancey.  Nothing says summer more than FREE outdoor Shakespeare, and no one does it better than the Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. 

Domenick Danza

Comedy of Errors

Comedy of Errors

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 22, 2023

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Comedy of Errors is one hour and forty-five minutes of pure fun.  Director Hamilton Clancy has once again brought together a talented and charismatic troupe of actors to fill our summer nights with free, outdoor Shakespeare on the Lower East Side.  This is the Drilling Company’s twenty-fifth season.  They have earned their high level of expertise, which is evident in this phenomenal production.

Aegean of Syracuse (played by Hamilton Clancy) is arrested in Ephesus for unlawful trespass.  He is there in search of his son, Antipholus and his servant Dromio.  The Duke (played by Robert Arcaro) proclaims that he has one day to prove this claim, or he will be put to death as punishment for breaking the law.  In another part of Ephesus, Adriana (played by Petra Deninson) and her sister, Luciana (played by Erin G. Mahoney), mistake Antipholus of Syracuse (played by Drew Valins) and Dromio of Syracuse (played by Karla Hendrick) for her husband Antipholus of Ephesus (also played by Drew Valins) and his servant Dromio of Ephesus (played by Lizabeth Allen).  Adriana brings her mistaken husband and servant into her home for dinner.  They lock the door, keeping her true husband and his servant from entering upon their return.  When her husband does return, he is furious about being locked out, and makes a plan with Angelo (played by Jack Sochet) to meet him later that night for dinner with his Courtesan (played by Erin G. Mahoney).  Antipholus makes a deal with Angelo to purchase a gold necklace as a gift for the Courtesan.  Angelo later delivers the gold necklace to the wrong Antipholus.  The mayhem continues to build as both Dromios are sent on errands, and report back to the wrong master.  The time for Aegean’s sentence has come.  He recognizes Antipholus as the son he was searching for, but which Antipholus will recognize him as his father? 

Drew Valins is outstanding as both Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus.  He creates two distinct characters, varying his physically and vocal cadence.  Mr. Valins’ commitment and presence in each of these characters make them fully recognizable upon his entrance, keeping the storyline clear and fast paced.  Karla Hendrick and Lizabeth Allen are the perfect duo as Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus.  They mirror one another perfectly, making the comedy of errors ring true.  Petra Deninson and Erin G. Mahoney are fully in sync as Adriana and her sister, Luciana.  Their timing delivers the laughs and makes their bold, over the top portrayals endearing and engaging.  Jack Sochet plays Angelo as a cutting edge deal maker.  This works very well with Partick Hart’s no-nonsense portray of the Merchant.  These two actors push the drama and raise the stakes for the main characters, who are immersed in the comedy of confusion.  Additional strong performances are delivered by Bob Arcaro, Remy Souchon, Katherine O’Sullivan, Jamie Russell, Liusaidh Hopper, and a cameo appearance by Hamilton Clancy.  

Photo coutresy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Comedy of Errors plays for one more weekend in the parking lot of The Clemente (114 Norfolk, between Rivington & Delancey).  Performances are July 27, 28, & 29 at 7:00 PM.  The gates open at 6:30.  Get there early to get a good seat, or bring a folding chair or blanket.  It’s free, fun, & amazing!  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

The Two Noble Kinsmen

 The Two Noble Kinsmen
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 16, 2021 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is back… and better than ever!  This summer they are presenting a glorious production of William Shakespeare & John Fletcher’s TheTwo Noble Kinsmen in two locations: the parking lot at the Clemente Cultural Center (107, Suffolk St. on the Lower East Side) and in Bryant Park (6^th Ave. & 42 St.).  Director Hamilton Clancy has gathered a remarkably sharp company of actors for this rarely seen Shakespeare piece.  It is not to be missed.

After Athens is victorious in war with Thebes, Duke Theseus (played by Lukas Raphael) imprisons two noble cousins, Palamon (played by Bradford Frost) and Arcite (played by John Caliendo).  From their prison window, Palamon and Arcite spot Emilia (played by Liz Livingston), who is the sister of Duke Theseus’ wife, Hippolyta (played by Kathleen Simmonds). Both men are enamored and begin arguing over the right to woo her affections.  When Arcite is released from prison and banished from Athens, he disguises himself and sneaks into court to get close to Emilia.  Meanwhile, the Jailors Daughter (played by Jane Bradley) falls madly in love with Palamon and helps him escape. 

Palamon and Arcite find each other in the woods.  Though happy to see one another, they continue to fight for the right to pursue Emilia.  When Duke Theseus discovers them fighting, they reveal their true identities and the reason for the fight.  Theseus sets a date for a duel between the two cousins.  He promises Emilia’s hand to the victor, and death to the loser.

The Jailor’s Daughter has gone mad in her unrequited love of Palamon.  Her father (played by David Marantz) consults a doctor (played by Mary Linehan) to cure her.  The Wooer of the Jailor’s Daughter (played by Remy Souchon) willingly plays his part in her cure. 

Arcite wins the duel for Emilia’s hand, then dies when falling from his horse.  Palamon gains his life and love, but loses his noble cousin and closest friend. 

Bradford Frost as Palamon & John Caliendo as Arcite
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Bradford Frost and John Caliendo bring humor and honesty to the complicated relationship between Palamon and Arcite.  One minute they are inseparable cousins and the next they are fighting to the death.  They create genuine characters, earnestly motivated by love and honor.  Liz Livingston is strong and resolute as Emilia.  Even though she is unwavering in her conviction not to marry either kinsman, she takes the responsibility of the duel very seriously.  Her deliberation is portrayed with high integrity and meticulous care.

Jane Bradley as the Jailer's Daughter
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Jane Bradley is mesmerizing as the Jailer’s Daughter.  The physicality of her character consumes her.  She opens her heart with unwavering trust and steadfast conviction.  The humor is brought to an even higher level in Mary Linehan’s impeccable portrayal of the Doctor, Remy Souchon’s winning portrayal of the Wooer of the Jailer’s Daughter, and David Marantz’s staunch portrayal of the Jailer.  Their characterizations are flawless and their timing is impeccable.   

Lukas Raphael is noble and proud as Theseus, and Kathleen Simmonds is regal and commanding as Hippolyta.  There are strong performances by Lizabeth Allen, Elowyn Castle, Ja’Quawn Turner, and Bob Arcaro, each creating numerous and distinct characters who engage the audience in the progress of the action. 

Director Hamilton Clancy and Assistant Director Karla Hendrick have outdone themselves with this production.  The Two Noble Kinsmen will be at Bryant Park on July 19, 20, & 21 at 7:30 PM, then back at the Clemente Cultural Center parking lot on July 28, 29, & 30 at 7:00 PM.  All performances are FREE.  No one does outdoor Shakespeare better that The Drilling Company.  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

Othello

Othello

The Drilling Company

Bryant Park Shakespeare

August 31, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company brings the summer to a dramatic close with their Bryant Park Shakespeare production of Othello.  Director Hamilton Clancy brings together a talented cast who delivers moving performances of these classic characters.  His choice of modernizing the costumes and setting allows for accessibility to the complex story line and simplicity to the stage pictures.

Iago (played by David Marantz), a third ranking officer, is passed over for a promotion by Othello (played by Emmanuel Elpenord), the top ranking General.  When Othello secretly marries Desdemona (played by Liz Livingston), Iago sees an opportunity to seek his revenge.  He plans to fill Othello’s head with lies about Desdemona cheating on him with Cassio (played by Bradford B. Frost).  The proud and strong general falls into Iago's deceit,  and is overcome with jealousy and emotion.  His reactions and behavior threatens his own authority.  Once Iago supplies physical proof of this fabricated story, provided by his unsuspecting wife, Emilia (played by Karla Hendrick), Othello is easily manipulated into take desperate action.

Liz Livingston & Emmanuel Elpenard
Photos courtesy of The Drilling Company

Emmanuel Elpenord is a solid and commanding Othello.  He builds a trusting and open relationship with David Marantz’s Iago.  The two men have a strong chemistry, which makes the plot build and unfold in a believable manner.  David Marantz plays Iago’s duality with a balance of charm and cunning that creates an aura of evil treachery.  Liz Livingston portrays Desdemona with grace and sincerity, which heightens the impact of the tragic ending.  Karla Hendrick is outstanding as Emilia.  You gain a visceral understanding of her marriage to Iago through her glances, tone, and physicality.  Her respect and care for Desdemona are genuine.  Bradford B. Frost portrayal of Cassio is honest and bold.  Jack Sochet, David Sitler, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, Kyle Maxwell, and Jake Lesh also deliver strong performances.

Photo courtesy fo The Drilling Company
& Bryant Park Shakespeare

Othello is playing at Bryant Park at 7:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday, September 5-7.   This is your last chance to enjoy FREE Summer Shakespeare.  After twenty-five years of producing outdoor Shakespeare in NYC, The Drilling Company is one of the best.  Make it a classic ending to your summer and go see it.

Domenick Danza

Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

July 13, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Romeo & Juliet is the perfect way for The Drilling Company to celebrate twenty-five years of bringing FREE Shakespeare to the Lower East Side.  Lukas Raphael brilliantly directs a superb cast of ten, led by Anwen Darcy as Juliet and Adam Huff as Romeo.  With a running time of one hour and fifty minutes, there is no better way to spend a warm summer evening in NYC.

The play opens with the typical Shakespearian actor speaking the prologue.  He/she is briskly pushed off the stage by the cast of characters boisterously setting up the tension between the feuding families, immediately creating an atmosphere of aggression and danger.  The party scene where Romeo first lays eyes on Juliet is glorious.  The attraction between Ms. Darcy’s Juliet and Mr. Huff’s Romeo is stunningly playful.  The balcony scene which follows is charming, filled with the eager and youthful yearnings of two teens discovering their feelings.  The final scene in the crypt is emotionally effective.  Ms. Darcy and Mr. Huff deliver genuine and tender performances.

Adam Huff & Anwen Darcy
Photoc courtesy of The Drilling Company

The cast works as a close-knit ensemble, smoothly transitioning from one scene to the next.  Jack Sochet is commanding as Capulet, Juliet’s father.  Serena Ebony Miller is outstanding as Friar (Sister) Lawrence.  Alessandro Colla delivers a robust Mercutio.  Una Clancy, Samantha Sutliff, Jake Lesh, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, and John Callendo all create strong characters that vibrantly fill the outdoor space.

Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy is dedicated to making Shakespeare accessible and free to the public.  After twenty-five years of producing Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, he is a true master.  Romeo & Juliet runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 PM through July 27.  Take the F train to the Delancey Street stop and walk two blocks to the Clement Soto Velez Cultural Center parking lot on 114 Norfolk Street.  Meet a friend a enjoy a fun, free night of well-done Shakespeare. 

Domenick Danza

Gabriel: A Polemic

Gabriel: A Polemic

The Drilling Company

North of History

March 10, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

In her play, Gabriel: A Polemic, playwright C. Denby Swanson exuberantly explores the concept of free will.  The Drilling Company production, now running at North of History, invites the audience into Ms. Swanson’s well developed debate by gathering us around the dinner table with the characters.  The intimate setting, honest performances, and precise direction beautifully blend to make a highly engaging experience.  Director Hamilton Clancy builds the conflicts in Ms. Swanson’s skillful writing with the volatility, faith, and genuine affection that the characters have within their hearts.

Susan (played by Jane Bradley) invites her sisters in faith, Brenda (played by Rachel A. Collins) and Jennifer (played by Brandi Varnell), to Christian Sabbath dinner.  Her topic for discussion is free will.  More specifically: Did the Virgin Mary have free will when Angel Gabriel announced to her she was with child?  Jennifer adamantly quotes the bible to answer Susan’s question.  Brenda has a naive faith in Jennifer’s citations.  Susan is clearly experiencing a crisis of faith.  Six month earlier, she had a miscarriage and continually brings up the hurtful fact that all three of them are unable to bear children.  When Louise (played by Elaine Ivy Harris) arrives, who has been absent from their sisterhood for a number of months, she is pregnant and unmarried.  The four women face their fears, doubts, and resentments as their debate gets personal and heated.

Jane Bradley, Brandi Varnell, Rachel A. Collins, & Elaine Ivy Harris
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Jane Bradley portrays Susan with a dexterous balance of cynicism and hope.  Her actions are fueled by a deep longing for support, understanding, and forgiveness.  The reveal of the specific cause of her crisis is genuine and heartbreaking.  Elaine Ivy Harris is honest and open as Louise.  She is vulnerable in her opening monologue, then skillfully transitions her demeanor when confronted by her sisters at the dinner table.  This creates a clear and emotional arc for her character.  Brandi Varnell’s Jennifer is resolute and impassioned.  She vehemently takes on Susan’s challenge and has no trouble judging Louise’s situation.  Ms. Varnell takes the character to her breaking point.  She finally waivers, but never fully relinquishes her point of view.  Rachel A. Collins’ portrayal of Brenda is fresh and trusting.  When the character finally breaks out of her passive exterior toward the end of the play, we see the depth of her optimism, dedication, and true belief. 

Playwright C. Denby Swanson
Photo courtesy of C. Denby Swanson

C. Denby Swanson wrote four extraordinary characters.  They are intelligent, zealous, and complex.  Mr. Clancy keeps the action focused so you can appreciate the polemic (a passionate, strongly worded, and often controversial argument) from all sides.  Gabriel: A Polemic is playing through March 26 at North of History (445 Columbus Ave., between 81^st and 82^nd St., NYC).    Get your tickets on smarttix and be prepared to have your point of view challenged.

Domenick Danza

Henry VI, Part 3

Henry VI, Part 3

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

August 5, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Director Hamilton Clancy skillfully dramatizes the battle for power in a divided nation in The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Henry VI, Part 3.  He sets it present day, making the timeless motives of loyalty, entitlement, betrayal, and greed wholly relevant.  Mr. Clancy cuts this Shakespeare history play down to two hours without intermission, focusing the action of the play and giving the audience a clear understanding of bloody events and willful characters, all of whom are well versed in the art of war.  His battle scenes are simply staged and highly effective.

Joe Clancy, Erin Noll, & Bill Green
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

King Henry VI (played by Skyler Gallun), who is a Lancaster, gives his crown to York (played by Bill Green) with the hope of keeping the peace between the disputing powers.  It has the opposite effect.  Under the influence of Queen Margaret (played by Evangeline Fontaine) and lead by Clifford (played by Bradford B. Frost), the Lancasters respond by attacking, killing York and his youngest son, Rutland (played by Joe Clancy).  The Yorks retaliate and are victorious, crowning Edward (played by Lee Seymour) king.  He marries Lady Grey (played by Kendra Oberhauser), losing the loyalty of Warwick (played by Kyle Maxwell) and Clarence (played by Eddie Shields), who were vital in his gaining power.  This causes great a war which does not end until Henry VI is put to death.

The cast magnificently works together exposing the basic human needs that motivate these huge, historic characters.  Bill Green is noble as York.  Lee Seymour is cunning as Edward.  Skyler Gallun gallantly portrays Henry as a pensive and peaceful man, always deep in reflection.  Kyle Maxwell is bold and brazen as Warwick.  Evangeline Fontaine delivers a strong performance as the vengeful and fearless Queen Margaret.  Alessandro Colla is ruthless and commanding as the complex Richard, concealing his deeper desires under the cover of family loyalty.  Bradford B. Frost shows a wide range of skill playing both Clifford and King Louis of France.  Every cast member deserves a shout out for their intense level of focus and truthful characterization: Joe Clancy, Bryce Dutton, Marcus Jones, Lindsay Nance, Erin Noll, Kendra Oberhauser, Ben Peterson, Eddie Shields, Sophie Sorensen, Ross Stoner, and Gracie Winchester.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Henry VI, Part 3 plays for one more weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, August 10, 11, 12 at 7:00 PM) at the Clemente Cultural & Educational Center Parking Lot.  Check the website for directions (shakespeareintheparkinglot.com).   In addition, be sure to see The Drilling Company’s production of The Tempest at Bryant Park Shakespeare.  It opens August 25 and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM through September 9.  All these shows are FREE.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, The Drilling Company presents the best outdoor Shakespeare in the city.  Don’t miss these opportunities for a great experience.   

 Domenick Danza

Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure

The Drilling Company

Bryant Park Shakespeare

September 2, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The summer might be coming to an end, but there is one more free Bryant Park Shakespeare performance to enjoy.  The Drilling Company’s Measure for Measure is playing Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through September 17.  Director Hamilton Clancy brings life to one of Shakepeare’s darker comedies with a remarkable cast and colorful concept.  He sets the play in present day in Viennaville, Louisiana with singing and live music that frame the action and energize the pace.

The synopsis from The Drilling Company’s program:  “Mayor “Duke” Vincentio, seeing his beloved town torn by lax oversight of the law, leaves Emergency Financial Manager Angelo in charge of righting the city.  Angelo decides to begin arresting people for petty offenses and putting them to death to show he’s serious.  Claudio is thrown into prison for getting Juliet pregnant (different Juliet from Romeo).  He asks his pal Lucio if he’ll go to the Nunnery and ask his sister Isabella to plead for mercy for him.  She does.  The righteous manager sees an opportunity to manage more than the city.  Meanwhile, Vincentio disguises himself as a Friar, visits prison, learns of Angelo’s proposition to Isabella, and plots to help her win mercy for Claudio.”

The Stage at Bryant Park
Photo courtesy of Bryant Park Shakespeare

Lukas Raphael is cunning and unscrupulous as Angelo.  Ivory Aquino captures your heart as Isabella.  Together they are beguiling and generate startling intrigue through Shakespeare’s complex scenes.  Emanuel Elpernord commands the Bryant Park stage as Duke Vincentio.  Michael William Bernstein is captivating and entertaining as Lucio.  Jarrod Bates shines in every scene, skillfully portraying six distinct characters ranging from serious to slapstick, as well as playing the trumpet and mandolin.  Rachel A. Collins, Serena E. Miller, Aly Byatt, Eric Paterniani, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, TJ Wagner, Veronica Nolte, Andrew Dahreddine, and Wesley Zurick all create colorful and genuine characters who engage in truthful relationships which conjure a realistic setting that evokes the culture of the Louisiana.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

End the summer season with quality outdoor Shakespeare that The Drilling Company is famous for.  Measure for Measure plays Thursday nights at 9:00 and Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 through September 17.  All performances are FREE at Bryant Park.

  

Domenick Danza

The Merchant of Venice – Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Merchant of Venice – Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

August 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of The Merchant of Venice is vibrant and moving.  Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy and Director Ezra Barnes have assembled a brilliant cast to bring life to this poignant and meaningful Shakespeare play.  This production has the quick and tight pace that is a trademark of The Drilling Company Parking Lot experience.  Shakespeare’s words echo with significance in the open parking lot space.  The strength of this production is the humor, which does not come from joy, but from cunning, trickery, and irony.

Jane Bradley skillfully plays Portia as a strong woman who uses her wit and charm to obtain what she wants, which is to wed Bassanio (played by Adam Huff).  She then uses her intelligence to help him save his friend Antonio (played by James Davies) from the bond held by Shylock (played by Dave Marantz).  She achieves her objective on all accounts, but, along with Nerissa (played by Amanda Cate Fuller) and Jessica (played by Lauriel Friedman), gains nothing more than an understanding that their men are deeply flawed in the ability to live by their word.

Jane Bradley, Dave Marantz, & James Davie
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

The theme of the value of your word rings loudly in this production.  Conflicts arise when the men give their word, whether it is in matters of finance, business, or love, and are not willing or able to follow through on it.  It is the women who succeed in following through, yet their place in society does not allow them much credit.  At least their place is higher than that of Shylock, who loses everything, yet is considered saved by the social standard of the time period.

Jane Bradley delivers a powerful and charming performance as Portia.  Dave Marantz portrays Shylock as a solid business man who is broken by the loss of his daughter.  Adam Huff is bold and alluring as Bassanio.  Eric Paterniani is enchanting and commanding as Lancelot.  There are strong performances from James Davies, Amanda Cate Fuller, Aly Bryant, Michael Sazonov, Michael Vincent Carrera, Lauriel Freidman, Warren Jackson, Wayne Willinger, Israel Hillary, and Richard M. Steele.

If you have not read my post about the Shakespeare’s Globe production of The Merchant of Venice at Lincoln Center Festival, please look at my July 22 posting.  Both of these productions are amazing.  They are filled with similarities and differences that are stunning to compare.  Be sure to see this Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production.  It runs for one more weekend, July 12, 13, and 14 at 8:00 PM.  These performances are FREE.  The Parking Lot is located at 114 Norfolk Street (east side of Norfolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets), behind The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center.  Post your comments here and join the conversation about this powerful and relevant classic play.

Domenick Danza

The Drilling Company's Summer Shakespeare Season

Much Ado About Nothing

Bryant Park

June 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

You know the summer is finally here when you find yourself sitting in Bryant Park watching the first production of The Drilling Company’s summer Shakespeare season.  Then it starts to rain.  Yes, the closing night performance of Much Ado About Nothing was rained out about half way through Act II.  The disappointment was high as everyone ran for cover because the production was magical.  Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy is the master of outdoor Shakespeare.  He is a skilled director with a keen insight for how to keep the pace moving, and a focused instinct for great casting. 

McKay Carpenter & Anwen Darcy
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Before it started to rain, the stage was overflowing with enchantment and vitality.  Mary Linehan (as Hero) and Andrew Gombas (as Claudio) were a charming, romantic couple.  The chemistry between McKay Carpenter (as Benedict) and Anwen Darcy (as Beatrice) was fiery and dazzling.  Eric Paterniani’s physical characterization of Conrad was boldly inventive and humorous.  Michael Bernstein’s comic timing delivered a playful Borachio.  Drew Valins created a strong Don Pedro.  Brandon Reilly was charming and endearing as Don John. 

The rain might have prevented the last chance I had to see Much Ado About Nothing, but The Drilling Company has four additional productions coming up this summer.  As You Like It (July 21 - 23) and Measure for Measure (September 1 - 18) will be at Bryant Park.  This marks their third summer partnering with Bryant Park Presents.  Shakespeare in the Parking Lot will celebrate its 21^st year with A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 7 – 24) and The Merchant of Venice (July 28 – August 14) at the Clemente Cultural Center parking lot (114 Norfolk Street).  All performances are FREE, and are sure to be great experiences.  Check out their website for performance times and details, and enjoy the best summer Shakespeare New York has to offer.  

 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Domenick Danza

The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew

The Drilling Company

Bryant Park

September 4, 2015

Photo courtesy of
The Drilling Company

The Drilling Company’s production of The Taming of the Shrew opened at Bryant Park on Friday, September 4.  Director Alessandro Colla’s rendition of this raucous Shakespeare comedy takes place in “Padua by the Sea,” a North Eastern fishing town similar to Amity from the move Jaws.  When Petruchio takes on the challenge of conquering the “great white shark” Kate, the outcome is abundant hilarity and true love.

Eric Paterniani, Alessandro Colla, Eli Branson
Photo by Jonathan Slaff, courtesy of The Drilling Company

In addition to directing, Mr. Colla also takes on the role of Petruchio.  His vision for the play is sharp and his interpretation of the character is impeccable.  He is equally matched and challenged by the fiery Evangeline Melody Fontaine as Kate, the shrew.  Mary Linehan is mischievous and beguiling as Bianca, and Lukas Raphael is charming and sincere as Lucentio.  Eric Paterniani and Eli Branson deliver the laughs as Grumio and Curtis.  The entire cast deserves a shout out: Jarrod Bates, Michael Bernstein, Colleen Cosgrove, Jonathan Eric Foster, Bill Galarno, Brandon Reilly, Jack Sochet, and Mike Taylor.  They work as a team creating strong, appealing characters that make this production of The Taming of the Shrew a winner. 

Evangeline Melody Fontaine, Bill Galarno, Mary Linehan
Photo by Jonathan Slaff, courtesy of The Drilling Company

Jen Varbalow’s set design is clean and simple.  She is able to focus the audience’s attention on the specific locations of the play in the expansive Bryant Park outdoor space.  Anna Grossman’s sound design transports the audience to these locations with updated music and atmospheric effects.

This is the final production of The Drilling Company’s 2015 summer season.  Over the past six months, Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy successfully produced five free outdoor Shakespeare performances in two different locations in the city.  The Taming of the Shrew plays at Bryant Park Fridays and Saturday at 6:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM through September 20.  End the summer on a high note… go see it!  Yes, it is FREE!

Domenick Danza