'King Lear' by Shakesperience - My Review [UPDATED]

UPDATE:

Shakesperience did not come close to their fundraising goal to support Shakespeare in Library Park, 2014. However, they had the largest audience, by far, in the history of the festival. A brief survey of the audience revealed that 35% dined out in Waterbury while they were there to see King Lear. Half were new to this Shakespeare festival and every single completed survey indicated that their patrons enjoyed a terrific experience and would return for similar festivals. This is the power of a Shakespeare Festival, and they're proud to have provided one for Waterbury and the region annually for the last 10 years.

ORIGINAL POST:

For ten years Shakesperience has been presenting Shakespeare in Library Park in downtown Waterbury. If they can raise the necessary funds, they hope to continue to do so for many years to come. I am hopeful that the Waterbury-based group will be able to continue to bring the works of Shakespeare to life so close to home.

Their feature performance for the 2014 season, King Lear, opened on Thursday night for a small but appreciative audience on the stage behind the Silas Bronson Library on Grand Street. Dr. David Richman, who has been blinded since birth, plays Lear under the direction of Artistic Director Emily Mattina. Dr. Richman is a mentor and teacher of the director and she calls collaborating with him "the most memorable of experiences." This professor's opening night performance was mesmerizing on so many levels. His delivery of his lines was measured and sure, and the audience didn't miss a word. With some assistance from his fellow actors, he navigated the scenery onstage and its surrounding spaces including two sets of stairs. He and Ms. Mattina are credited with the adaptation of the play. The addition of the child version of Lear's three daughters, played by Samantha Learson, Jessica Learson, and Gianna Viele, was clearly one of the changes.

All the members of the cast did a fine job. Hannah Bellows played the eldest adult daughter Goneril, Samantha Smith played Regan and Sabrina Blackburn played the youngest daughter Cordelia. Patrick Donohue was Goneril's husband Cornwall and James Stewart played Regan's husband Albany.

Gloucester, father to Edgar and the conniving Edmund, was played by Jason Collins, while his sons were played by Michael Blunt and Curtis Dunn respectively. Cordelia's suitors were played by Adam Colagrossi (as Burgandy) and Doug Donato (as France.) Mr. Colagrossi, a recent graduate of Waterbury Arts Magnet School (WAMS,) also took on the role of the servant Oswald and the sword fighting that comes with it.

The important role of Fool was taken on by Billy Davino. This young man did very well with a lot of lines. Bob Kelly played the loyal Kent, who disguises himself in order to follow Lear after being banished.

The production values were also impressive. The beautiful set was designed by Jeffrey Lapham. Large pieces of fabric were pulled out of it to become an impressive thunderstorm and the cast used the surrounding spaces to their advantage. It also featured two areas for backlit shadows. The outdoor stage was effectively lit by Chris Sigetti, especially after the sun went down. Perfect period costumes were designed by Julie Leavitt. Incidental music was played by The Neighborhood Noyse. Tyler D. Hall served as fight choreographer.

I have not seen this Shakespearean tragedy since high school. I had the good fortune of seeing one of the highly-acclaimed performances by Morris Carnovsky in my hometown of Stratford CT at the now dark Shakespeare Theater. I had forgotten a few of the details even after reading the fine synopsis in the program titled "A Tale of the World's Worst Retirement Project," and I enjoyed rediscovering the plot. This production was so well done that a first time viewer could follow along as long as they paid attention.

King Lear continues  Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm at Library Park, Meadow & Grand Streets, Waterbury, CT  $15 suggested donation.