Let's Go to the Theater

Richard III by William Shakespeare. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 2016. Directed by Paul Mullins. Pictured left to right: Ames Adamson, Derek Wilson, John Keabler, James Suggitt, Amaia Arana and John Hickok. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.

Shakespeare’s characters have a range of good and bad attached to them. But it’s hard to imagine a more villainous character than Richard, Duke of Gloucester, in the play Richard III. William Shakepeare’s play, Richard III is the portrayal of a man who will do anything necessary to get the throne. This includes imprisonment and murder of any person who would stand in his way. It is currently running in Madison, NJ at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. It is riveting and it provides a character study of how sinister a human being can be when seeking power.

Pictured: Derek Wilson as Richard III. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.

The play is directed by Paul Mullins who played the lead role of Richard when it was last done at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ ten years ago.  The direction that Mr. Mullins brings allow actor Derek Wilson to brilliantly play the role of Richard. From the moment Mr. Wilson opens the play with the words “Now is the winter of our discontent” until the closing scene, his voice and actions dictate the course of all that goes on. He twists his legs into an uncomfortable looking position to represent the crippled state of the character and never once is he seen out of that configuration. His facial expressions which move from being cunning to borderline madness and his dialog delivery all add to the intensity of the person he represents.

The story of the play tells of how Richard III came to become King. He had to eliminate a lot of people to get to that seat of power. The sword fights, the battles, and the special effects used to depict the killings are certain to amaze audiences. Fight Director Rick Sordelet did an outstanding job of choreographing all of these (and there are many) so that they appear to be authentic. The final scene where the ghosts of Richard’s victims all come to him in haunting manner is also a highlight of the show. There are many twists and turns to the plot which are accurately described in Know-the-Show Audience Guide which is a PDF document put together by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as well as other interesting information about Richard III.

Along with Derek Wilson, the incredible acting of the entire company makes this a play that is sure to keep audiences interested in all that goes on.  Although the males of the cast have a good deal of stage time, be sure to watch for Carol Halstead as Queen Margaret whose portrayal is complex and haunting, Gretchen Hall who adds amazing intensity to the scenes where her Queen Elizabeth is involved, and Amaia Arana as Lady Anne.

Audience recommendations: For true Shakespeare fans, this show is a must see. It is one of the most memorable of this current season that has had some very wonderful productions. Anyone who likes a lot of action during a play will also find this a good show to go to see. If you are interested in history and like to make connections to the personal side of the character, then you will enjoy seeing the more power hungry side of human nature that the show features. If you have a problem watching strong actions that result in death on stage, this might not be for you. However, if you do sit through, you will be relieved to see the ghost scene at the end where vengeance on Richard comes to pass.

Run Time of the Show: 2 hours, 30 minutes plus one 15 minute intermission

Performances: Richard III will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays at 7:30, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.  Matinees play on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Special Performances: For the same price as a regular ticket, the Symposium Series performances offer a post-show discussion with the cast and artistic staff. For Richard III, the symposia will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m.

The Know the Show pre-show talks are offered again in 2016 free-of-cost. Prior to the show, an artist from The Shakespeare Theatre presents a pre-performance talk providing background information and an inside perspective on the production. This program is free with the purchase of a performance ticket, and for Richard III will be held Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m., with the show commencing at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets: Prices range from $25 – $75. This season, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is initiating their 30 UNDER 30 Program, which offers $30 tickets for patrons aged 30 and under, with valid ID, tickets subject to availability.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey offers various cost-saving opportunities, including $15 student rush tickets, which are available 30 minutes prior to each performance, with a valid student ID, and a Pay What You Can Night on October 5th. Student matinees are offered at the very affordable price rate of $17 a ticket and are offered throughout the run. Schools are encouraged to book soon as availability is going fast. To book, please call (973) 845 – 6742.

For tickets, call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit the website at www.shakespearenj.org.

Location: F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre 36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Rd.) Madison, NJ (on the campus of Drew University)