Review By Val O’Bryan, Front Row Reviewers
Add some chill to your hot summer night and catch The Winter’s Tale at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. As one of Shakespeare‘s final works, The Winter’s Tale is often classified as a romantic comedy with elements of tragedy. I was eager to see how director Carolyn Howarth and dramaturg Isabel Smith-Bernstein would navigate the unique challenge of balancing the deeply psychological drama of the first three acts with the comedic two acts at the end. And, of course, the bear. If you have noticed any of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s marketing, you have seen the bear image on the posters and t-shirts (available in the gift shop). I had to see the bear.
The set, by scenic designer Apollo Mark Weaver, is a visual representation of the characters’ psychological states and the play’s magical realism. The play begins in the court of King Leontes of Sicilia (Chauncy Thomas), whose dearest childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia (Geoffrey Kent), has been visiting and just announced he plans to depart soon. Thomas and Kent have a warm, brotherly chemistry that lights up the stage. Leontes tries to entice Polixenes to stay, but when he is unsuccessful, he employs his wife, Queen Hermione (Tracie Lane), to convince the king of Bohemia. She succeeds, and Polixenes agrees to stay. The audience also gets to meet the adorable royal son, Prince Mamillius, played delightfully by Kinsley Seegmiller. Unfortunately, Leontes becomes irrationally jealous of his pregnant wife, Queen Hermione, believing she is having an affair with his friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia. Thomas powerfully delivers Shakespeare’s lines with clarity, precision, and emotional weight, making the complex language accessible and impactful for the audience. Despite the protests of his loyal courtiers and Hermione herself, Leontes’ jealousy leads him to imprison Hermione and order Antigonus to abandon his newborn daughter in a remote place. Lane’s performance of Hermione’s court monologue in Act 3 is devastating. The audience feels her intense love for her children and husband and utter despair at losing them because of Leontes’ accusation.
The characters in the court of Sicilia play critical supportive roles and act as foils to the king and queen. King Leontes’ most trusted advisor, Camillo (Tom Coiner), demonstrates bravery and loyalty to truth and rightfulness. Antigonus (Michael Doherty) and Sicilian lords (Zac Barnaby, Rockwell MacGillivray, Bailey Savage, and Gabe Wright) try to stand up to Leontes and reason with him, demonstrating excellent emotive acting. The silent support of Hermione’s attending ladies (Caitlin Wise, Gracelyn Erickson, Chloe McLeod, and Emily Wheeler) contrasts with the more outspoken members of the court and highlights Hermione’s caring nature. Queen Hermione’s best friend and most outspoken advocate is Paulina, played by Trenell Mooring. Mooring commands the stage with a formidable presence, shown through her confident posturing, purposeful and expressive movements, and powerful voice. She plays a fearless and determined Paulina. It is a treat to watch her on stage.
The newborn child of Hermione and Leontes, named Perdita, is found and raised by a shepherd (Chris Mixon) and his son (Topher Embrey) in Bohemia. Mixon and Embrey are hilarious and provide nonstop laughs and familial warmth. Time (a character played by Michael Doherty) explains that sixteen years later, in Bohemia, Perdita grows into a beautiful young woman, unaware of her royal heritage. Doherty shines in each role he plays in this production, but Time was enjoyable. Likewise, John Harrell as Autolycus brings welcome levity and charm, strong guitar and singing skills, and songs by original music composer Lindsay Jones. Perdita (Alaysia Renay Duncan) falls in love with the son of Polixenes, Florizel (Christopher Centinaro), who has disguised himself to court her. Polixenes discovers the romance, crashes a perfectly pastoral party, and threatens the shepherd and Perdita. I’m guessing costume designer Raven Ong had the most fun with the colorful shepherd party wardrobe. The young lovers flee to Sicilia, seeking refuge at the court of Leontes. Upon arriving, the identities of Perdita and Florizel are revealed, leading to forgiveness and reconciliation all around.
And the bear? Brought to life by Rockwell MacGillivray, Emily Wheeler, and Gabe Wright, the bear is worth the trip. There are fun surprises around every corner that you won’t want to miss. One thing I love about the plays at USF is how alive they become. The actors and production team truly give each show a beating heart and distinctive fingerprints that set it apart from any other reproduction. Don’t miss your chance to see the magic yourself at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Utah Shakespeare Festival presents The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare.
Englestad Theatre, 351 W Center Street, Cedar City, UT 84720
Plays on select dates until September 7, 2024, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Tickets: $15-85
Contact: 435-586-7878 or 1-800-PLAYTIX
Utah Shakespeare Festival Facebook Page
0 Comments