By Eliza Een
Front Row Reviewers loves a good Shakespeare show, and Dall-Hilton Theatrical Arts offers a fun retelling of The Merchant of Venice with a 1990s twist. This quaint Shakespeare-in-the-park production is directed by Avery Dall-Hilton, and she chose as the staging and background not only the park but specifically the playground. It was delightful watching the actors duck, climb, and slide across the different parts of their set. To borrow words from Antonio, it is “a stage where every man must play a part.”
Kim Wille’s Portia is cool and collected while anticipating her fate through the drama of her suitors and in her charade as the young doctor of law. However, her moments with co-conspirator Nerissa (Emma Larson) show Wille’s girlish hopes in pursuit of Bassanio (Brenner Finch), which reminded me of Cher and Dionne in the 90s classic movie, Clueless. Jessica (Jaicie Clayton Graham) rounds out the trio of romantic subplots with doe-eyed innocence, but she is no less scheming than her peers, as she runs away with family treasures.
Shylock (Craig Gardner) is the pariah of the play, and Gardner’s formality in his role as the money-lending Jew provides a good contrast to the frat-bro portrayals of the other male characters. Gardner is passionate in the pursuit of Shylock’s justice, and you can’t help but feel sympathetic as the other characters trap him into his fate.
Bassanio plays a confident and sincere friend and lover, backed up in more ways than one by his friends Antonio (Kim Hess), Solanio (Nathan Cannon) Salarino (Tannor Olsen), Lorenzo (Jared Hales), and Gratiano (Michael Combs). Their intricate handshakes, revelry, and inside jokes make the audience feel as if we share in their comradery. Combs also portrays the would-be lovers of Portia, with such cringey dedication that I was impressed and horrified, but mostly—like Portia—relieved that neither of Combs’ princes had won her hand.
Some well-loved 90s songs wove their way between the scenes and helped to set the mood and highlight different themes in the show. The characters also broke into song on a few occasions, eliciting cheers from the audience and unsuspecting park-goeres alike. The cast really brought Shakespeare to life with the quality of their performance and their dedicated delivery, I feel like there wasn’t a weak link among them. Dall-Hilton’s playful adaptation of a well-known story and the success of each cast member made it a delight to watch! Helping the cast look the part and highlight the 90s setting is the costumer Stephanie Orullian and the rest of the crew Eleanor Hilton (stage manager), Mattathias Singh Goldberg Westwood (dramaturg), Paige Northrup (music director), Ryan Hilton (sound/lights technician), and Brett Hilton (promotional designer).
Take advantage of the warming weather, grab a chair, a snack, and a blanket, and come see the Dall-Hilton Theatrical Arts production of The Merchant of Venice!
Dall-Hilton Theatrical Arts presents The Merchant of Venice. Reviewed by Front Row Reviewers Joaquin Park (378 N 400 E, Provo, UT 84606), Franklin Park (807 W 600 S, Provo, UT 84601)
April 27 – April 28, May 1, 2023. 6:30 PM, at Joaquin Park; April 29, 2030 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM at Franklin Park
Tickets: Free (*recommended $5 donation to Venmo @Avery-DH)
Contact: avedall6@gmail.com
Dall-Hilton Theatrical Arts Website
The Merchant of Venice by Dall-Hilton Theatrical Arts
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