Evil, Certainly, But Witty, Too

    The infamous English king, Richard III, in William Shakespeare’s historical drama is one of the choice roles in Western drama. To bring him to life requires an actor of great vitality and intellect. Shakespeare & Company’s sterling production is blessed with the powerful and brilliant John Douglas Thompson.

   Thompson, having received accolades and awards for this past season’s “The Emperor Jonesâ€� off-Broadway, returns to Lenox, MA, with a compelling tour de force that drives a vibrant, fully-realized production.

   Richard is often played as angry, cerebral and evil. Thompson and director Jonathan Croy make him witty and charming as he vanquishes his enemies and relishes his victories.  This is a Richard whose charisma masks a mercurial and vengeful personality.    

   Indeed, it is difficult not to like Thompson’s Richard though the audience knows his evil nature. His viciousness seems tamed by smiles and laughter while he manipulates both those who support or hate him.  

   Thompson’s powerful body belies the limitations created by the character’s physical deformities. Still, he can use Richard’s defects to gain sympathy from others.

   Though Thompson is the towering figure in the production, the rest of the company complements his strength. Tod Randolph’s Elizabeth and Annette Miller’s Duchess of York are especially effective as the mothers and wives of several of his victims.  Though a number of their speeches could be delivered as impassioned rants, Randolph and Miller control their emotions.  Though devastated by their profound losses, they conduct themselves with restraint and dignity.  

   The principal male characters of Buckingham (Nigel Gore) and Hastings (Jason Asprey) are fine in their subservience to Richard. They, and other of his followers who are often depicted as toadies, are not portrayed as malevolent, but as men with allegiance to a bold leader.

    Croy, one of Shakespeare & Company’s most consistent actors and directors, has staged “Richard IIIâ€� cleanly with moments of vital imagery. The same dynamism Croy brings to his acting, including the wit and vocal energy, he brings to this production. For a bloody drama, there is a great deal of humor and audience participation.

   All the technical elements are nicely integrated into the play’s development and appearance.  Patrick Brennan uses movable arches and pieces of furniture to suggest the varied locations rather than interfering with the action and language by set changes.  

   The original music and sound design by Scott Killian and the lighting by Les Dickert further enhance the various moods of the production.  Many of the costumes designed by the brilliant Arthur Oliver bring color and beauty to the otherwise austere stage.

   This “Richard IIIâ€� is a wonderful production, rich in its physical statement made glorious by a sterling cast led by Thompson’s artistry.  It’s a “don’t miss!â€�

   “The Life and Death of King Richard IIIâ€� runs at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, through Sept. 5.  For tickets call 413-637-3353.