Regional Reviews: Philadelphia The Two Noble Kinsmen
The Two Noble Kinsmen are Palamon and Arcite, a pair of brave warrior cousins who will do anything to support each other ... that is, until they see Emilia, the Queen's beautiful sister, and instantly fall in love with her. "I saw her first," says Palamon, but Arcite feels he's just as entitled, and pretty soon the former friends are at each others' throats. Meanwhile, the Jailer's Daughter (remember her?) pines away for Palamon, then goes crazy when she cannot have him. It's a slender plot, but the vivid characterizations make it worth paying attention to. Chris Anthony plays Arcite with square-jawed certainty, while Dan McGlaughlin's Palamon treats his ex-friend's every word with eye-bulging outrage. Laura Betz plays Emilia with demure grace, but she's up to the emotional challenge of some fiery speeches in the play's final act. And Portland Thomas is focused and hypnotic as her Jailer's Daughter slips into anxiety and madness. There are nice comic touches from the supporting actors, including Maryruth Stine, who gets a lot of laughs as both a drunken student and a doctor who apparently made it to Athens via Brooklyn. And, as the ruler of Athens, Taylor Darden comes off like a young Donald Trump. With a sleek business suit and an arrogant attitude, Darden gets Trump's blunt, blonde, pompadoured pomposity just right. The Trump references are typical of the subtle wit that pervades this production. Whether it's a running gag about a handshake, or having Emilia choose between Palamon and Arcite by comparing their actors' headshots, Cromie and crew inject a light tone that makes this Two Noble Kinsmen highly enjoyable. The Two Noble Kinsmen runs through August 18, 2013, at The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom Street. Tickets are free on a first come, first served basis, available at the Box Office three hours before curtain each day. For more information, call the Box Office at (215) 496-8001 or visit www.PhillyShakespeare.org. The Two Noble Kinsmen By William Shakespeare and John Fletcher Directed by Aaron Cromie Lighting Design... Rachel Sampey Sound Design / Music Director ... Joe Samala Combat Instructor ... Michael Cosenza Stage Manager... Aria Velz Cast: Arcite ... Chris Anthony Emilia ... Laura Betz Pirithous/Wooer ... Jason Cutts Theseus ... Taylor Darden Valerius/Jailer's Brother ... Walter DeShields Palamon ... Dan McGlaughlin Hippolyta ... Tasha Milkman Schoolmaster/Ensemble ... Leeanna Rubin Jailer ... Sam Sherburne Jailer's Daughter ... Portland Thomas Ensemble ... Sarah Knittel, Maryruth Stine
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