| Rylance is superbly idiosyncratic as usual--his comic timing in particular is impeccable--and Davies sings beautifully, but there isn't much of a play here. The first Act bounds along. It's vastly entertaining and smartly written. The second half, however, disappoints because van Kampen hasn't figured out how to elaborate her themes once she has the king and Farinelli meet; the play loses intention and so it doesn't deepen. While all of the design elements here are beautifully, sumptuously rendered, FARANELLI AND THE KING isn't nearly as ravishing as it means to be. |
