[NEohioPAL] Berko review: SHAW FESTIVAL, part 2

[Roy Berko]

SHAW FESTIVAL (second of a series of two)
 
Roy Berko
 
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
 
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In my previous article reviewing The Shaw Festival, located
in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, I discussed Eugene O’Neil’s ‘STAR
CHAMBER’ and ‘BRIEF ENCOUNTERS, as well as giving some hints of
other-than-theatre events in the most beautiful little city in Canada.  If you are interested in that review go
on-line to www.royberko.info.
 
One of the usual highlights of going to The Festival is to
see plays by George Bernard Shaw, himself.  Of the two Shavian works I saw this trip, one was outstanding,
the other boring and poorly directed.
 
 ‘THE DEVIL’S
DISCIPLE’, which gets a fine production, was Shaw's eighth play and the only
one set in America.  It, as is
Shaw’s writing tradition, mocks religion, politicians, superstition and
holier-than-thou members of society.
 
Set in a New England village during the Revolutionary War,
Richard Dudgeon, a self-proclaimed devil’s disciple, finds himself mistaken for
the local reverend. He is arrested by the British army as a rebel and in a
twist of Shavian tradition, Dudgeon sacrifices himself in a Christ-like
gesture.  Evan Buliung develops a
well-textured persona as Richard Duygeon. The play is purposefully directed by
Tadeusz Bradecki and is one of the season’s highlights.
 
On the other hand, ‘IN GOOD KING CHARLES’S GOLDEN DAYS,’ is
an overlong, boring, talky show which gets a weak production.  Accents come and go, there is some
shallow acting (especially by Lisa Codrington as the Duchess of Portsmouth and
Ken James Stewart as Godfrey Kneller).  Ric Reid (George Fox) screams his way through his role.  This poor acting is shocking for a
Festival production.  The play is
ill directed by Eda Holmes.  At the
end of the first act, the afternoon I saw the show, many in the audience
left.  At the end of the second act
they fled for the exits, leaving a very small house to see the rest of the
production.
 
But, then there was ‘SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.’  The Sondheim piece is not a tune-filled
escapist musical.  The script was
inspired by the painting, "A Sunday
Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by pointillist, Georges
Seurat.  The show, which
met with mixed reviews when it opened on Broadway, revolves around a
fictionalized Seurat.   In the
first act we see the artist  immersed in single-minded concentration while painting his masterpiece.
In the second act we meet his grandson, also a single-minded artist.  Other than “Putting It Together, the
title song is the only tune that audiences might have heard, as the music and
lyrics are so integrated into the story line that the songs seem like dialogue.
 
The show is well directed by Alisa Palmer.  Steven Sutcliffe (George) is capable of
portraying both Seurat and his grandson with good voice and character
development.
 
This may not be a musical for everyone, but for those who
like Sondheim and meaningful musicals, it is well worth seeing.
 
 ‘PLAY
ORCHESTRA, PLAY’, part of Coward’s ‘TONIGHT AT 8:30” series, consists of three
one-act plays, ‘RED PEPPERS, a British Vaudeville House comedy with music,
‘FUMED OAK’, and, ‘SHADOW PLAY,’ a farce with music.  Christopher Newton’s direction was weak.  All three shows dragged.
 
CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  Of the shows I saw at The Shaw Festival this year I would strongly
recommend ‘THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE,’ ‘SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE,’ ‘STAR
CHAMBER,’ and ‘BRIEF ENCOUNTERS.’  I did not see ‘BORN YESTERDAY,’ but, people whose judgement I trust
indicate it is delightful.
 
AMENITIES IN THE CITY OF NIAGARA-ON-THE LAKE
 
There are some wonderful restaurants in the Niagara
area,  including favorites,
Queenston Heights Restaurant (www.queenstonheights.com),
which has a breathtaking view of the Niagara River gorge.  A real find is the restaurant at the
Niagara Culinary Institute (www.niagaracollege.ca/dining), at which student
chefs hone their skills.  If you
haven’t been to Shaw for a while, you’ll be surprised by the change in
restaurants on Queen Street.  The
often tired old timers are gone, and new eateries have taken their place.   A  ew Greek restaurant, Grill on King (www.grillonking.com) was
very good, in spite of the fact that the chef was not very accommodating in
making menu alternations.
 
Greaves Jams and Marmalades is famous for its products since
1927.  A Niagara tradition is the
Maple Leaf Fudge store. 
 
The area has many excellent hotels and bed-and-breakfasts.   Our home away from home is the
beautiful and well-placed Wellington House (www.wellington.house at sympatico.ca),
directly across the street from The Festival Theatre.  For information on other B&Bs go to www.niagaraonthelake.com/showbedandbreakfasts.  
 
For theatre information, a brochure, or tickets, call
800-511-7429 or go on-line to www.shawfest.com.  Ask about packages that include lodging, meals and
tickets.  Also be aware that the
festival offers Sunday night specials, day-of-the-show rush tickets and senior
matinee prices. 
 
Helpful hint:  To satisfy border requirements carry your passport.  Right now, some of the officers are
checking them, others are not.  But, to be safe, carry it or you might become a resident of Canada.
 
 
 Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2009, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and NeOHIOpal (to subscribe visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.)