An Hour (and Much More) Upon the Stage
A Performance of Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, Beautifully Realized
The American Theatre of Actors played host to an unforgettable evening of the Bard’s most powerful soliloquies and most resonant sonnets in Shakespeare Under the Moon. Directed by James Jennings with Light and Sound managed by Layla Fields, the production’s name is literal—we were dazzled by a stunning backdrop of a giant blue moon, surrounded by a light design of twinkling blue and white stars. The effect lent an extra elegance to the evening, which was enhanced by the ten actors taking the stage; the men were mostly in dark suits and red ties, and the women in flowing black gowns. They sat on folding chairs, awaiting their moments. Courtney Everette began proceedings, and gave astonishing power to both the iconic Othello and Aaron of Titus Andronicus. Jane Culley and Karolina Larion each took a turn as Lady Macbeth. Culley gathered strength from dark forces to carry out the murder of the king with a chilling maliciousness; Larion perfectly captured the character’s descent into madness, screaming “Out, damned spot!” to the stars after the horrible act has been carried out. Alan Hasnas gave rich and riveting performances as both Macbeth and Hamlet, performing the iconic “To Be or Not to Be” speech with deftness. Jake Smith also stepped up as Macbeth, giving perfect poignancy to the latter’s despairing “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” soliloquy. Dustin Pazar also took a turn as the ill-fated Scottish pretender to the throne, as well as fully inhabiting Henry the V and switching gears to amuse as Taming of the Shrew’s Petruchio. Sam Hardy was a commanding Falstaff and Richard II; Monica Blaze Leavitt a marvel of energy and impressive accents as Caliban and Lady Anne. Jeremy Rafal commanded the stage as the Tempest’s Trinculo and Henry IV’s Hotspur. Amber Brookes sat with a suspicious looking vial of liquid by her chair, akin to Chekhov’s gun; and yes, it was the poison she would later take as the doomed Juliet.
At the end of the show each of the ten actors took their seats to give renditions of several of Shakespeare’s most loved sonnets, before a climactic delivery of one single iconic line from many of his most famous plays. It felt like a well-earned dessert after a very enjoyable multi-course meal.
Shakespeare Under the Moon is a must-see not only for Shakespeare aficionados, but also for anyone who appreciates the work of remarkable actors at the height of their powers.
ARTIUM: OMNI 