Our local community Theater 29’s final offering this season is the Ken Ludwig farce “Shakespeare in Hollywood.” Director John Wright has conjured a strong cast that includes Theater 29 faves and able newcomers. Entertainment reporter Rebecca Havely offers this review of the production…
You’ve heard of a play within a play? Well, Ken Ludwig’s “Shakespeare in Hollywood” is a play within a movie within a farce! Shakespeare’s famous characters; Oberon and Puck magically land in the 1930’s Hollywood movie set of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”; with a potion in tow. Love affairs, love triangles and cross-dressing chaos ensues.
Ben Bees as King Oberon deftly balances his ability to turn a Shakespearean phrase with his modern, comedic timing. He’s coupled with charming Char Childs as his love interest, and with his fairy servant Puck, delightfully, yet devilishly, played by Lizzy Schmelling.
Leonard Webber plays Austrian movie director, Max Reinhart with a wonderfully wacky accent. He gets lots of laughs when afflicted by the potion, he’s smitten by his nemesis; Will Hayes played in a Jon Lovits-like fashion by Adam Redmon. Debut performer, Andrew Whitaker is a crack up as he sports a blonde wig and chest hair-baring ball gown. Janet Percy plays a delightfully ditzy, blonde starlet.
Other featured players include, Herman Platzke, Curtis Mohn, Jarrod Burks, Jasmine Schaffer and Scott Clinkscales.
Set design by director Wright, period costumes by Kathryn Ferguson and choreographed moments by Pamela Crane add to the charm of show, as do the multiple comedic references to the Bard’s other plays.
“Shakespeare in Hollywood” runs through December 20 with Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7 p.m., plus two matinee performances on Sunday, November 30, and December 14, both at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $8 to $12 dollars. For reservations call the Theater box office at 760-361-4151 or visit theatre29.org. Adult themes throughout the play make it suitable for those 13 and over.
WE REVIEW “SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD” AT THEATRE 29
