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Regional Reviews: Los Angeles Richard III Also see Sharon's review of It's Just Sex The Circus Theatricals production of Richard III at the Odyssey Theatre is an extremely competent production. Indeed, it may be one of the most technically proficient productions of Richard III that has graced a Los Angeles area stage. The entire company is easily on top of Shakespeare's language, and they relate the tale with clarity. This is an accessible production of Richard, one which might be appreciated by first-time Shakespeare viewers, or those who have previously had difficulty following the plot. But all of the straightforwardness of the storytelling is at the cost of emotional involvement. This simply isn't a very engaging production.
The rest of the company is extremely solid, but, again, unable to make an emotional connection with the audience. Allison Marich plays a strong Lady Anne, who is successfully wooed by Richard only due to a brief moment of indecision, but we still have no pity for her. Neil Vipond plays Queen Margaret full of spite and anger, yet the fact that the company has chosen to cast this role with a man somehow keeps his performance from completely engaging the audience. Alfred Molina's Buckingham is gentle; he does achieve a lovely moment when quietly accepting his fate and responsibility for it, but this is too little too late. The set design is simple; three large wooden monoliths (suggesting the Roman numeral "III") stand in the center of the stage. As the scenes change, they are taken down and transformed into whatever set pieces are necessary: a coffin, the throne, a bedchamber. Images are projected on the back wall, but since the wall itself is painted with a pattern, they are largely unrecognizable. The ghosts which later visit Richard are also projected on the wall. It enhances the pacing of the scene (as their entrances and exits are simply edited) but the very tight camera shots (particularly with Nickella Dee Schlanger, as the young prince), are distracting. The costumes also take away from any particular vision of the play, with the modern suits of the men uncomfortably contrasting with floor-length dresses and cloaks of the women. The hard part, for so many actors, is understanding Shakespeare's language and delivering it clearly. It is disappointing to see a company which has easily surpassed this hurdle fail to deliver an involving production. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble & Circus Theatricals presents Richard III, Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Casey Biggs. Odyssey Theatre artistic director Ron Sossi; Circus Theatricals artistic director Jack Stehlin; Produced by Beth Hogan and Jeanine Welles. Scenic designer Jaret Sacrey, Lighting & Video designer Tim Kiley, Costume designer Emelle Holmes; Sound designer Paul Taylor Robertson. Cast: Richard III plays at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles through April 7, 2002. For tickets, call (310) 477-2055 or visit www.odysseytheatre.com
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