A Review of Caesar & Cleopatra
A fascinating play is running through Oct. 12, 2019 at New York’s Theatre Row. Caesar & Cleopatra by Bernard Shaw appears for the first time in over 40 years on a New York stage. Presented by the Gingold Theatrical Group, this production was worth the wait. As an audience member, I was enchanted by the entire look of the production, the superb work of the actors, and the words and thoughts in the play so well crafted by Shaw. I would like to believe that a world he imagined could exist. The concepts and hopes he writes into the character Julius Caesar are lofty ideas that give one something to strive for. Press notes state that it is an “almost historical comedy.” But there is a lot to absorb and hope for.
Directed by David Staller, the play opens with a visit from Ftatateeta, Cleopatra’s main servant who visits the set from the Egyptian underworld. Her death is explained later on, but her ability to excite and light up the stage is wonderfully portrayed by Brenda Braxton. A very young Cleopatra is played by Teresa Avia Lim. She is able to make her character initially look like a young school girl eager to learn her lessons and then evolve into a scintillating center of power just starting to explode by the end.
The scene changes as word that the armies of Julius Caesar are making their way into Egypt. While they are waiting for this major event, Caesar quietly walks in and meets Cleopatra for the first time, He hides who is in an attempt to speak with her and learn more about her. Robert Cuccioli is at his regal best as Caesar. His tender yet determined approach to his mission is impressive and interesting to listen to. It is no surprise when he wins the respect and admiration of Cleopatra. Unlike the more popular versions of their relationship, this is one of pupil and teacher or mentor. But what is especially enchanting about this Julius Caesar is that he is shown as a man who wants to work through peaceful and sensible means to solve the problems of society. He enjoys mentoring the incoming leaders and encourages them to follow his idealism.
Caesar’s idea is to groom Cleopatra to ascend the throne over her brother, Ptolemy, who is portrayed as a little puppet. When Caesar’s identity is finally revealed, Cleopatra is relieved as she was fearful of what he would do when he arrived. Caesar continues to dominate as an influential character gathering his share of haters as he continues to work with Cleopatra.
Very interesting to watch are the moments between Cleopatra and Caesar. She is a willing student as she flirts slightly with him. He holds back from that growing attraction as if to applaud the idea that students can fall in love with their teachers, but the teacher must hold back. Mentions are made of the large age difference between them and of course young Cleopatra makes light of it all. This Caesar continues to intrigue the audience as he sticks to his lofty goals of creating a better society and installing a most worthy leader.
As hard as Caesar works with his student, she takes action swiftly and decisively against her enemies when she sees them coming in too close. The scenes show a determined and confident Cleopatra who feels justified in her actions. Caesar eventually sees what was done had to be. He prepares to leave but promises to send Mark Antony to Egypt which pleases Cleopatra.
There is much to enjoy about this production. In addition to the story and the acting, it has a well designed set that allows the actors to move freely about. The lighting is well done to depict different moods and at times an ethereal feel which fits the visit from the underworld and some of the ideas Caesar is trying to develop and gain support for. The creative team includes Brian Prather, scenic design; Tracy Christensen, costumes; Jamie Roderick, lighting; and Frederick Kennedy, sound.
In addition to the actors already mentioned, the production includes Jeff Applegate as Rufio, Jonathan Hadley as Britannus. Rajesh Bose plays Prothinus, Ptoleny, and Sentinel, and Dan Domingues plays Apollodorus.
Caesar and Cleopatra plays at Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd Street through Oct. 12, 2019. The performance runs a little over 2 hours and includes one intermission.
For tickets and more information, visit the Gingold Theatrical Group’s website – https://gingoldgroup.org/caesar-and-cleopatra/