Richard II

 Richard II
Red Bull Theatre
Astor Place Theatre
December 13, 2025

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theatre

The Red Bull Theatre production of Richard II is polished, sharp, and passionate.  Craig Baldwin masterfully adapted and directed this William Shakespeare history play, making it modern and accessible.  Scenic design, by Arnulfo Maldonado, is simple, stylistic, and highly effective.  The costumes, by Rodrigo Muńoz, are a unique blend of periods, pulling the events of the play into a timeless setting.  The set and costumes allow Mr. Baldwin to present a seamless telling of this tale.  Richard is present in every scene, often skulking in the shadows, overhearing treasonous discussions as well as acts of honor and loyalty.  The prison cell from the opening scene transforms into numerous locations, allowing Richard’s fate to loom throughout the story.   

King Richard II (played by Michael Urie) banishes his cousin, Henry Bolingbrook, Duke of Hereford (played by Grantham Coleman) and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk (played by Daniel Stewart Sherman) after their dispute over treasonous accusations.  When Henry Bollingbrook’s father, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (played by understudy Raphael Nash Thompson) dies, the Duchess of York (played by Kathryn Meisle) requests that Richard bring the banished Henry back to his homeland.  Not only does Richard refuse, but he seizes all the Duke of Lancaster’s property that Henry should rightfully inherit.  The Duchess of York joins Henry in a vengeful rebellion to overthrow the King. 

Grantham Coleman & Michael Urie
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theatre

Michael Urie plays Richard II with wit, charm, and impeccable timing and valor.  He fully embodies this character and speaks the heightened language with eloquence and conviction.  He transitions from moments of intense introspection to sarcastic humor in an instant.  

Mr. Urie develops distinct and potent relationships with every cast member.  These relationships are vital in understanding the loyalty and treachery that drives the action.  The relationship he creates with Grantham Coleman’s Henry Bollinger changes drastically.  They go from loyal and respectful cousins to fierce enemies, as Bolingbrook attempts to take the throne from Richard.  Their connection is strong throughout the story, heightening the betrayal felt by both of them.

Kathryn Meisle, Grantham Coleman, & Emily Swallow
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theatre

The relationship between Richard II, his Queen (played by Lux Pascal), and Aumerle (played by David Mattar Merten) is intriguing.  The love between them is passionate and truthful.  Kathryn Meisle portrays the Duchess of York with unwavering principle.  Her reasons for turning against Richard are clearly realized.  Emily Swallow’s Northumberland is cold and concise.  She stands forthright in her actions and convictions.    

Photo courtesy fo Red Bull Theatre

After Richard is imprisoned and Henry is about to be crowned King, the Bishop of Carlise (played by understudy Raphael Nash Thompson) delivers an impassioned speech that gives Henry pause.  It is a bold and risky move that makes Henry realize he needs Richard to willingly forfeit his crown in order for him to have a peaceful reign.  Mr. Thompson’s energy and intention give this moment the strength it needs to shift Henry’s course of action. 

Richard II has been extended.  It is playing at Astor Place Theatre through December 21.  It is a brilliant production. 

Domenick Danza

Orlando

Orlando
Pershing Square Signature Center
Signature Theatre
April 27, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The Signature Theatre production of Sarah Ruhl’s Orlando is a fantastic romp through the centuries.  Adapted from the Virginia Woolf novel of the same title in 2000, Ms. Ruhl chose to tell this story through narration, most of which comes directly from the original novel.  She utilizes a chorus of six actors, playing gender fluid characters, to keep the action moving.  With Taylor Mac in the lead role, the humor becomes equally matched with truthful moments of discovery and conflict.

Orlando (played by Taylor Mac) wants to be a poet.  The Queen (played by Nathan Lee Graham) adopts him, and makes him her own.  When Orlando falls in love with a Russian Princess (played by Rad Pereira), they run off together, or rather skate down the frozen River Thames.  The Princess abandons Orlando, who then meets the Archduchess (played by Lisa Kron), and experiences lust.  He quickly tires of her, and proclaims he want to return home.  After retiring to his bed, he emerges a woman. 

The cast of Orlando
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

On the journey home, Orlando discovers both the freedom and limitations of being a woman.  She meets the Archduchess again, only to find that she is a man.  He pursues Orlando, but does not succeed at wooing her.  Centuries pass, and Orlando yearns to be wed.  She meets Marmaduke (played by TL Thompson).   After they fall in love, they discover they are both male and female simultaneously.  Centuries pass again, taking Orlando into the twentieth century.  The present moment is filled with confusion that leads to understanding and acceptance. 

TL Thompson & Taylor Mac
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Will Davis stylistically directs this piece with a sharp eye on consistency, and a precise sense of timing, rhythm, and pace.  Scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado creates a sparce, imaginative atmosphere that is heightened by Oana Botez’s costumes.  The stage is empty most of the time, with detailed set pieces rolled on as needed, and magnificent drops flown in.  The costumes are also pieced together in an impressionistic manner, creating the illusion of the numerous time periods, while allowing for fast changes.

Orlando is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through May 12. 

Domenick Danza

Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come

Roundabout Underground

Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre / Black Box Theatre

October 9, 2016

Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Comapany

Kingdom Come is Jenny Rachel Weiner’s new play presently running at the Roundabout Underground.  Ms. Weiner is a skilled playwright with a bold and adventurous voice.  In this play she draws you in with interesting and quirky characters who go to great lengths to conceal their emotional wounds.  She then embarks on a journey of deep self-awareness.  Kip Fagan successfully directs this daring play and sensitive cast with a clear vision and tender touch.

Samantha (played by Carmen M. Herlihy) and Layne (played by Crystal Finn) take a shot at on line dating.  They both meet and fall in love with their ideal mate.  The problem is that their profiles and photos are totally fabricated.  Before they can admit the truth, they have to face it themselves.  What they discover is more profound than they expect.

The cast of Kingdom Come
Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Carmen M. Herlihy and Crystal Finn deliver strong and realistic performances as Samantha and Layne.  Both characters are troubled, and suffer from emotional and social disorders.  Their individual stories are very diverse, and they each face their challenges in distinctive manners.  Ms. Weiner’s conception of these two characters is unique, and their juxtaposition is enlightening.  Her handling of the plunge into their secret selves is concise and astounding.  Layne, Ms. Finn’s character, opens up and transcends, while Samantha, Ms. Herlihy’s character, has a lot more to overcome and reverts to her weaknesses.  These two actors share moments together that are touching, true, and unexpected. 

Actors Socorro Santiago, Alex Hernandez, and Stephanie Styles bring high energy, humor and charm to their roles.  Set designer Arnulfo Maldonado and lighting designer Thom Weaver create an expansive and realistic playing area in the small, intimate black box space.  Darrel Maloney designs projections that not only illustrate the virtual relationship of the characters, but masterfully reveals their individual perception of the experience.

Playwright Jenny Rachel Weiner
Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company does outstanding and honorable work in their underground black box.  More important than their high production values, which I have come to expect from them, is their commitment to developing the voice of the upcoming playwright.  Kingdom Come offers a glimpse into the fact that our on line selves and virtual personas do connect to real people, and can have a deep and meaningful effect on ourselves and those with whom we engage.  This is a very powerful and important message, experienced and understood in a most appropriate venue. 

Kingdom Come runs through December 18.  The black box has open seating and tickets are a very affordable $25. 

Domenick Danza