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

The Tempest

The Tempest

The Drilling Company

Bryant Park Shakespeare

September 1, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Bryant Park Shakespeare

Director Lukas Raphael brings The Drilling Company’s summer Shakespeare season to a stunning conclusion with his rendition of The Tempest at Bryant Park.  He states in the program notes, “While embracing the madness of our venue in Manhattan, it was important to focus the production and tell the story clearly, imaginatively, and immediately.”  He skillfully achieves this goal through collaboration with a brilliant cast and amazing composer, Natalie Smith.  Mr. Raphael hones in on the essence and power of Shakespeare’s tale, making it accessible and entertaining.

Prospero (played by Roger Rathburn), the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda (played by Mary Linehan) have been living on a secluded island after forced exile twelve years ago.  He rules over Ariel, a spirit (played by Natalie Smith), and Caliban, an island native who formerly reigned over the island (played by Eric Paterniani).  Prospero conjures a mighty storm that causes a shipwreck.  Aboard the ship are Alonso, the King of Naples (played by Jack Sochet), and members of his courts, including his son Ferdinand (played by Bradford B. Frost).  They all become separated, and seek any advantage to obtain power.  It is Prospero’s plan for redemption through forgiveness that comes to fruition.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Roger Rathburn is commanding as Prospero.  He creates a strong bond with Natalie Smith’s Ariel.  Jack Sochet portrays a wide range of emotion as Alonso.  He remains in control over the men of his court, while feeling a deep loss thinking his son Ferdinand died during the storm.  Bryce Dutton (as Sebastian), Michael Bernstein (as Antonio), Zach Guttmann (as Adrian), and Robert Arcaro (as Gonzalo) concisely illustrate the struggle between loyalty and betrayal that takes place in the minds of men of power.  Their scenes provide truth to the events that caused Prospero’s exile and propel the action forward. 

The true magic of this production takes place between Mary Linehan and Bradford B. Frost.  The innocence and naiveté of Ms. Linehan’s Miranda is sincere and genuine.  Her character is strongly rooted and sure of herself in the world her father built for her.  She is also eager to experience the newness of the world beyond its borders.  Mr. Frost’s Ferdinand is bold and brave.  His tenderness toward Miranda is endearing.  Together these two actors create true and honest moments of discovery.  Their chemistry is electric.  Their skills are sharp and focused.

Eric Paterniani, who is usually cast in the comic roles in The Drilling Company productions, is mesmerizing as Caliban.  He creates this “monster” character by making strong physical and vocal choices that create mystery and intrigue.  When he conspires with Jarrod Bates (Trinculo) and Andrew Gombas (Stephano), it is pure pandemonium.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

You have one more weekend to see The Drilling Company’s production of The Tempest at Bryant Park (Friday and Saturday, September 8 & 9, at 7:00 PM).  It is your last chance for FREE summer Shakespeare.  Don’t miss it! 

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