Material weak, but Saratoga Shakespeare pulls off ‘A Winter’s Tale’
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. » When the weakest element in a production of a play written by William Shakespeare is the material, you know you have attended a special piece of theater.
This is the case with “A Winter’s Tale” being offered through Saturday at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs by Saratoga Shakespeare. The cast is flawless, the direction is near-brilliant and the presentation a charming mix of youthful energy and mature insightfulness.
The production overcomes most of the problems of “A Winter’s Tale,” which is considered by many to be one of Shakespeare’s biggest problem plays. It is one of my least favorite plays written by Shakespeare, and while this production didn’t convert me to become “A Winter’s Tale” enthusiast, it did force me to feel it with a more open heart.
The production, under the wise direction of Liz Carlson-Guerin, not only makes the obtuse plot seem plausible, it becomes affecting. The magical-realism within the story adds a sense of enchantment and the play becomes a tale of reconciliation that speaks to forgiveness.
Carlson-Guerin sets a pitch-perfect tone for the production that overcomes the negative elements in the work. She creates a world for the play – both in style and mood -in which anything can happen and where goodness prevails over cruel behavior and madness.
My major problem with the text is that King Leontes is undeserving of the happy ending Shakespeare awards him. Consumed with irrational jealousy, he accuses his pregnant wife of committing adultery with his best friend, Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. This leads to the death of the wife, Hermione, and their older son. He orders their newborn daughter to be abandoned “in some desert place.”
Shakespeare has the daughter survive and raised by shepherds. As a young woman, she meets and falls in love with the son of Polixenes and everyone reconciles. This triggers the revelation that Hermione is still alive, posing as a statue.
Though this all sounds silly and convoluted, the direction overcomes most of the problems in the text. This is exemplified by her handling of Shakespeare’s most confounding stage direction. Antigonus, after leaving the baby in the wilderness is told to exit “pursued by a bear.” An abstract bear is formed by a trio of females in the play who pursue and consume Antigonus. The departed character is visibly transformed into the kind shepard who then raises the baby.
The roles of Antigone and Old Shepard are both played by John Romeo, who adds to the surreal transition by finding the caring essence of each man. Romeo is wonderful in both roles as he brings a gentle, understated dignity to both men. His change is a signal for the mood of the play to become peaceful and happy as dancing and affection replace the darkness at the palace.
But Romeo’s performance is not unique in the production. The entire cast is excellent.
Paul Kuhn is remarkable in his interpretation of Leontes. He makes it impossible to hate or even dislike the man. {Aren’t hate and despise the same thing?} Kuhn plays the man’s madness so perfectly you believe that his deeds are not evil, but rather the irrational actions of a man consumed and driven crazy by jealousy.
Brenny Rabine finds the nobility in Hermoine, the wife who remains loyal and faithful to her husband. Somehow, she does this without appearing to be weak or passive. It’s a wonderfully balanced portrayal that provides the character with an important sense of dignity.
Hillary Parker elevates the role of Paulina to that of the conscience of the play. Parker brings a sense of calmness and righteousness to the character that gives her an objectivity that helps the audience grasp the greater themes taking place within the play.
This is a satisfying production to attend, especially so if you attended Saratoga Shakespeare’s recent production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The younger performers in that show — Matt Lyle, Gwynedd Vetter and Brian Orr — show a maturity in this effort that is refreshing. Add to their fine portrayals the comic work of Shayne David Cameris as the clownish young shepard and you have to feel the future of Saratoga Shakespeare is in good hands.
As a bonus, the fact that Wesley Broulik who finds the honesty in Polixenes, also was the director of “Midsummer,” it helps you understand that Saratoga Shakespeare has not only an optimistic future - they have a truly solid now.
“A Winter’s Tale” plays through Sunday. Performances are at 6 p.m. through Saturday. It’s only about 100 minutes long and it’s free. Go see it. Bring a chair and bug spray.