THE PLAY: This is Shakespeare’s history play about titular King of England’s diabolical rise to power thru deception and murder.

 

THE PRODUCTION: The actor playing Richard, Andrew Platner (leaning on a crutch, instead of hunchbacked) has captured all of the anger and intensity of the villain, without the sleazy charm that would have let him deceive so many. There’s not a lot of action on stage (until the final clumsy combat), so we get discourse and description, with most actors speaking from the script instead of the soul. Exceptions are Molly Hood’s 2nd act intensity and Alexander Sapp’s readings that bring the language (and his character) to life. Act One’s long exposition moves slowly, but things pick up when the murders multiply in Act Two. Overall, the staging is adequate and the costumes are classic.

 

THE POINT: An adequate production in the classic manner for those who appreciate Shakespeare.

 

(3 / 5)

 

Richmond Shakespeare Festival at Agecroft thru 8/3.