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

Heartbreak House

Heartbreak House

Gingold Theatrical Group

Theatre Row

Photo courtesy of Gingold Theatrical Group

George Bernard Shaw’s stinging social commentary is clearly played out in Gingold Theatrical Group’s Off Broadway production of Heartbreak House.  Director David Staller’s concept allows the cast to go over the top with their characterizations and find the rhythm and timing that is highly entertaining and intellectually engaging.  This amazing cast draws you in with humor, and before you know it, you are absorbed in Shaw’s dark and truthful themes of human nature.

The opening of the show takes place in 1940 in London, England.  We are in the basement of the Ambassadors Theatre during an air raid drill.  In an effort to keep the audience calm, the actors and staff from the Ambassador decide to perform George Bernard Shaw’s Heartbreak House.  They distribute the roles, throw on costumes, and transport us to the Villa of Captain Shotover (played by Raphael Nash Thompson) in Sussex, England in 1914.  Ellie Dunn (played by Kimberly Immanuel) is visiting the Captain’s daughter, Hesione Hushabye (played by Karen Ziemba).  Hesione tries to talk Ellie out of her intended marriage for money to Boss Mangan (played by Derek Smith), and plans on seducing him to achieve her objective.  Ellie admits to Hesione that she is in love with someone else, who, unknowingly turns out to be Hesione’s husband, Hector (played by Tom Hewitt).  Hesione’s sister, Ariadne (played by Alison Fraser), returns to her father’s house with the title of Lady Utterword.  She departed years earlier to start a successful marriage into money.  She is followed by her brother-in-law, Randall (played by Jeff Hiller), who has been smitten with her for years.  Ariadne keeps him well under her thumb, while she pursues her attraction to Hector.  They all chase after their heart’s desire, comment each other’s true motivation, and face their own flaws and heartbreaks.

The cast of Heartbreak House
Photo courtesy of Gingold Theatrical Group

Karen Ziemba is charismatic and beguiling as Hesione.  She has a powerful presence that grabs your attention.  Alison Fraser is funny and cunning as Ariadne.  Her timing and vocal characterization are impeccable.  Both women create characters who live up to the Greek mythological figures they are named after.  Tom Hewitt is bold and debonair as Hector.  He exudes a magnetism that justifies the attraction of the three main female characters in the play.  Kimberly Immanuel plays the innocence and naiveté of Ellie Dunn beautifully, then dives into her deceptive side with charm and commitment.  Strong performances are also delivered by Jeff Hiller, Lenny Wolpe, Raphael Nash Thompson, and Derek Smith.

Photo courtesy of Gingold Theatrical Group

The costumes, by Barbara A. Bell, are superb.  They clearly define each character, while setting the tone and dual time periods of the show.  Scenic design, by Brian Prather, utilizes the small space at the Lion Theatre by providing a second level.  His attention to detail allows the play within a play concept to work smoothly.  Lighting design, by Christina Watanabe, creates an effective ending, which dramatically connects to the 1940 air raid drill.

George Bernard Shaw explores the idea that heartbreak is the human experience that allows us to accept the position and truths of our lives.  He develops this theme from the different point of view of each character.  This Gingold Theatrical Group production is well conceived and impeccably executed.  Heartbreak House is playing at Theatre Row through September 29.

 

Domenick Danza

Pericles

Pericles

Theatre for a New Audience

February 18, 2016

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Pericles is presently previewing at Theatre for a New Audience.  The production is magnificently directed by Trevor Nunn.  It brandishes richly designed costumes by Constance Hoffman and whimsically composed music and song by Shaun Davey.  It is written that this play was a collaborative work between William Shakespeare and George Wilkes.  George Wilkes is believed to have written about half the script, yet Shakespeare was given full credit when it was first published in 1609.  This production is a must see for any Shakespeare scholar or enthusiast, or anyone looking to embark on a daring adventure.

The Cast of Pericles with Director, Trevor Nuinn
Photo courtesy fo Theatre for a New Audience

Pericles, King of Tyre (played by Christian Camargo) seeks the hand of King Antiochus’ daughter (played by Sam Morales).  In order to win her hand, he has to answer a riddle.  When he realizes the riddle points to proof of incest between the King and his impending bride, he embarks on a sea journey to escape retribution.  This extensive journey leads to a number of perilous adventures, including his meeting Thaisa (played by Gia Crovatin), who he later weds.  On his return voyage to Tyre, Thaisa dies in childbirth.  Stricken with grief, he leaves the infant, Marina, in the care of trusted fiends Cleon (played by Will Swenson) and Dionyza (played by Nina Hellman).  The final act is the poignant journey to reunification.

The play is narrated in verse and song by poet and storyteller, Gower (wonderfully played by Raphael Nash Thompson).  The tale he weaves contains tempests, pirates, a burial at sea, far off exotic lands, and noblemen and kings.  Nothing is left out of this adventure.  The entire cast is phenomenal.  The overall mood of the play is light, yet when tragic events happen, they are serious, real, and heartfelt.

Pericles opens at Theatre for a New Audience on February 25 in downtown Brooklyn.  Put it on your must see list!

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Domenick Danza