By Ashlei Havili Thomas
The Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City is a Utah summer theatre staple. Not only do they attract national talent for their cast and crew, but they also provide a unique setting for their audience to see William Shakespeare’s classic works, such as this year’s production of Richard III performed in USF’s Shakespearean “Globe Theater,” the Englestad. Richard III is Shakespeare’s second most well-known history play, after Henry V. This story of villainy, deceit, and murder is founded in true events from England’s past, and leaves a moral question: if we always reap the consequences of our actions, is the road we take to reach our ambitions worth the cost?
Richard III begins with the titular character confessing to the audience that he is not made for peacetime, that due to his deformities he cannot blithely pander to the whims of court life. Since he cannot enjoy the fruits of quiet life, he is “determinèd to be a villain.” The relationships in this show can be confusing, but luckily USF provides a synopsis of the show in their playbill as well as lists the most important relationships between characters in the cast list. After declaring he will be the villain, Richard confesses he has turned the king, his brother, against his other brother, the Duke of Clarence, condemning him to the Tower of London. Richard then signs his brother Clarence’s death warrant. Next, he woos the widow Lady Anne to give him an air of legitimacy in court. One by one, he plucks off all those who stand in the way to his claim on the throne: his brother King Edward, his sister-in-law Queen Elizabeth’s kinsmen, and then his brother’s two sons once he has the crown to shore up his claim. One by one, he betrays those that stand behind him until at the end, he suffers as is his due.
Aidan O’Reilly as Richard is a marvel to watch. Too often, Richard is portrayed as overly sinister or villainous, but O’Reilly reins it in, making Richard blunt and cruel rather than sinister. O’Reilly slyly brings the audience to his side with self-deprecating humor until you almost forget he is the villain. O’Reilly is a masterpiece to watch. The Duke of Clarence, played by Aaron Galligan-Stierle, plays an interesting counterpoint to Richard before his untimely demise. Galligan-Stierle shows Clarence’s complete faith in Richard until the audience feels the sting of Richard’s betrayal with Clarence. Todd Denning is a gem in this performance as Lord Hastings. Denning creates a standout supporting character in a role that could have easily felt insubstantial or inconsequential. The audience falls in love with the staunch loyalty and “true to the end” character of Hastings. Denning creates a lovable character, making his death a turning point for the audience and the show. Queen Elizabeth (Desirée Mee Jung) is a powerhouse female character in this play, and Jung pulls no punches in her portrayal. The commanding presence Mee Jung brings to the stage is a fascinating antithesis to Richard. Her quick wit, even on the shortest of lines, drives a needling barb into Richard’s façade. The comedic, relatable character in all this gloom and despair is René Thornton Jr. as the Duke of Buckingham. His asides and larger than life character make the audience warm to him and make his murder the final nail in Richard’s coffin. The whole ensemble flows perfectly from one scene to the next, adding depth to the performance. This cast takes what can seem like a dry script and makes it interesting, captivating and thrilling to watch.
While the set in the Englestad is usually minimal, the use of the space and few set pieces chosen by scenic designer Apollo Mark Weaver tie the performance together, and help the audience differentiate between different places and scenes within the show. This is also helped by the lighting design by Michael Gillam, who draws the audience into the world of the show with subtle, impactful changes. The original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones at times is barely noticeable but provides just enough jarring effect to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. This is all overseen by the director, Cameron Knight. Knight’s directorial vision is clear throughout the performance, with little Easter eggs for the audience sprinkled here and there in the play. All the designs and directorial choices are clear, making it easy for the audience to slip into the world of the play and be moved by its players.
While often Shakespeare can be difficult for even adults to understand, the cast of Richard III at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah, create an easily understood if gruesome performance. I would not recommend this show for young children, as they may get confused by the storyline and the text, and there is a lot of implied violence in the show. This show is one of this reviewer’s favorites, and the cast at USF does not disappoint. You will leave this show wondering if we create the opposition in our lives, or if we are the opposition to others. Please do not miss this unique show–see Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Richard III.
Utah Shakespeare Festival presents Richard III by William Shakespeare.
The Englestad Shakespeare Theatre, 200 Shakespeare Lane, Cedar City, Utah 84720
June 22-September 10, 2021
Tickets: $23-80
Contact: https://secure.bard.org or 1 800-PLAYTIX
Utah Shakespeare Festival website
Utah Shakespeare Festival Facebook Page
Richard III Facebook event
Utah Shakespeare Festival, William Shakespeare, Richard III, Aidan O’Reilly, Aaron Galligan-Stierle, Desirée Mee Jung, Todd Denning, René Thornton Jr., Apollo Mark Weaver, Michael Gillam, Lindsay Jones, Cameron Knight, Englestad Shakespeare Theatre, Ashlei Havili Thomas, Cedar City, Utah, Front Row Reviewers, Celebrating the GOOD in the Arts, Utah Arts, Utah Theater, Theater, Arts, History Play,
Aidan O’Reilly’s embodiment of Richard III deserves the highest of praise—a disturbing study in the art of the lie and the power of shameless manipulation. Well done!