[NEohioPAL] Berko review: MEASURE FOR MEASURE (GLTF)

[Roy Berko]

‘MEASURE  FOR MEASURE’ adds up to thoughtful fun at
GLTF

Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--
Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

--COOLCLEVELAND.COM--

‘MEASURE  FOR MEASURE,’ Shakespeare’s dark
comedy/problem play, is in production at Great Lakes
Theatre Festival .  Though written  more than 400
years ago, it is impossible to view the actions and
not be aware how it resonates in the present day
world.  

The play centers on secret identities, manipulation,
and the search for truth.  The plot is complexly
woven, and the resolution comes with the unraveling of
the layers of intrigue.  The Bard alludes to such
questions as:  Should an individual commit a sin in
order to save another person?  And,  Is it moral for
one person or group to condemn or vilify another
because of his/her beliefs?  

The story centers on the fate of Claudio, who has been
arrested by Lord Angelo, the temporary leader of
Vienna.  Angelo was left in charge by the Duke, who
pretends to leave town but instead dresses as a friar
to observe the goings-on in his absence. Angelo is
strict, moralistic, and unwavering in his
decision-making.  He decides that there is too much
freedom in Vienna and takes it upon himself to rid the
city of brothels and unlawful sexual activity.  Laws
against these behaviors and institutions already
exist, and Angelo decides to strictly enforce them.
Claudio is arrested for impregnating Juliet. Although
they were engaged and their sex was consensual,
Claudio is sentenced to death in order to serve as an
example to others. We follow as the tale of intrigue
unfolds to a satisfying and expected ending.

In a philosophical sense, the play is about a society
desperately in need of finding a sound balance between
repression and acceptance of  human nature.  One group
preaches rejection and making outcasts of those who
don’t follow their definition of morality—think the
religious right.  On the other hand, there are those
who accept that  humans are flawed,  and  be accepted
for who they are—think social moderates. 

Shakespeare appears to come down on the side of social
moderates who, as represented by the Duke, apply laws
and interpret dictates in a humane way. He also
showcases the underhanded operations of people who act
“holier than thou” but are, in reality, not living up
to their preaching—again think of the number of recent
politicians and religious leaders who have been
exposed for leading double lives
one they preach and
legislate, the other they live.

GLTF’s production, under the light-hearted hand of
Risa Brainin, wraps the story in modern dress,
contemporary settings, softened traditional speech
patterns, while adding contemporary slang and a
farcical  twist to the proceedings.  Though
Shakespeare traditionalists might cringe, the over-all
effect is an audience  pleasing evening of theatre.

Richard Klautsch is excellent as the Duke of Vienna. 
He develops a clear, consistent and believable
character.  Kathryn Cherasaro makes Isabella,
Claudio’s sister, a sensitive and convincing person
whose beliefs are severely tested as she fights for
the life of her brother who has committed an act of
which she does not approve, but must show loyalty and
sisterly devotion.  

If you know Andrew May as portraying over-the-top
lovable buffoons, you’ll have to switch mental gears
to truly appreciate his portrayal of Angelo.   May
fine tunes the character of the hypocritical moralist.
 It’s nice to see May being given the opportunity to
display the depth of his acting abilities.

Though a little over the top, David Anthony Smith
(Lucio), complete with hippie hair and clothing, gives
a sucker-sucking, farcical , audience pleasing
interpretation to the role. 

Russell Metheny’s scenic design is a practical  work
of sculpture.  The linear, contemporary metal and
plastic panels, much in the style of Yacov Agam’s
optical and kinetic art, was used well to create a
series of locales.  Branin choreographed the scene
changes with military cadence and precision.

Michael Klaers’s light design added to the overall
effect.

CAPSULE  JUDGEMENT:  GLTF’s ‘MEASURE  FOR MEASURE’
will please audiences who want their Shakespeare on
the light side.  It is a perfect vehicle for exposing
students to the Bard in an intriguing way.  On the
other hand, Shakespearean purists may go running down
the aisles exiting the theatre, but they’d better be
careful, as the cast is constantly charging up and
down the walkways.

‘MEASURE  FOR MEASURE’ runs through  October 17 at the
Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square.  For ticket
information call 216-241-6000 or go to
www.greatlakestheater.org




Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.  His reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com


       
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