Richard IIBy William Shakespeare
Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center
(11006 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood 91601)
A production of The Porters of Hellsgate
The Porters of Hellsgate residential actor Charles Pasternak donned an additional creative cap as director for its staging of this classic historical drama. Once the cast warmed up, the performance was riveting. It's exciting to watch this ensemble mature with each production. The Porters' last production (Love’s Labour’s Lost) was an enjoyable romp through one of Shakespeare's earliest comedies. Richard II, which has had its share of interpretations, is presented here thoughtfully, passionately and with complete respect for the material and the characters therein.
This a powerful production that overcomes minimalist sets with fine performances by several of the players. Henry Bolingbroke (Gus Krieger) has some slick stage business as King Richard's chief frenemy. Mr. Krieger's effortless performance is a joy to watch. Jennifer Bronstein makes the most of hers scene as Queen Isabel. Most entertaining was the evolution in character made by Thomas Bigley in the title role of King Richard. When the play opens, the king is simultaneously fey, controlling, lighthearted and self-involved. He appears as something akin to Perez Hilton with slightly more power and a better sense of style. But as the play progresses, Bigley's Richard becomes more focused and intense. Wounded, he becomes dangerous. Beaten, the usurped king becomes small.
The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center is in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. It's a nice, intimate setting, though be warned that the seats seem to have mind of their own. The temperature in the theatre was quite warm during the performance I attended which was a bit distracting - so be prepared for that. Richard II runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between now and May 31st. Click their link on the right for further details.
Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center
(11006 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood 91601)
A production of The Porters of Hellsgate
Date of reviewed performance: May 9, 2009
Cast
King Richard the Second - Thomas Bigley
Queen Isabel - Jennifer Bronstein
John of Gaunt, Bishop of Carlisle - Jamey Hecht
Henry Bolingbroke - Gus Krieger
Duke of York - Jacques Freydont
Duchess of York - Taylor Fisher
Duke of Aumerle - Michael Hoag
Duchess of Gloucester, Lady attending Queen - Jennifer Huva
Thomas Mowbray, Harry Percy - Max Adler
Bagot, Earl of Salisbury, Gardener's man - Matt Calloway
Bushy - Liam Toner
Green, Abbot of Westminster, Servant to Exton - Daniel Armas
Henry Percy - Patrick J. Saxon
Lord Ross, Keeper of the prison - Cody Goulder
Lord Willoughby, Lady attending Queen - Angele Dayer
Sir Stephen Scroop, Lord Marshall, Captain of the Welsh Army, Servingman to York, Servant to Exton - Dan Sykes
Sir Piers of Exton, Gardener's man - Liam Toner
Gardener, Groom of the stable - Charles Pasternak
Directed by Charles Pasternak
The Porters of Hellsgate residential actor Charles Pasternak donned an additional creative cap as director for its staging of this classic historical drama. Once the cast warmed up, the performance was riveting. It's exciting to watch this ensemble mature with each production. The Porters' last production (Love’s Labour’s Lost) was an enjoyable romp through one of Shakespeare's earliest comedies. Richard II, which has had its share of interpretations, is presented here thoughtfully, passionately and with complete respect for the material and the characters therein.
This a powerful production that overcomes minimalist sets with fine performances by several of the players. Henry Bolingbroke (Gus Krieger) has some slick stage business as King Richard's chief frenemy. Mr. Krieger's effortless performance is a joy to watch. Jennifer Bronstein makes the most of hers scene as Queen Isabel. Most entertaining was the evolution in character made by Thomas Bigley in the title role of King Richard. When the play opens, the king is simultaneously fey, controlling, lighthearted and self-involved. He appears as something akin to Perez Hilton with slightly more power and a better sense of style. But as the play progresses, Bigley's Richard becomes more focused and intense. Wounded, he becomes dangerous. Beaten, the usurped king becomes small.
The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center is in the heart of the NoHo Arts District. It's a nice, intimate setting, though be warned that the seats seem to have mind of their own. The temperature in the theatre was quite warm during the performance I attended which was a bit distracting - so be prepared for that. Richard II runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between now and May 31st. Click their link on the right for further details.
Richard II:
