Young actors show promise in 'Shakespeare in Pieces'

May 1 was the opening night of “Shakespeare in Pieces,” the latest offering of the OCCC Theater department. Guest director Rachel Carter had forewarned me that this play would be off the beaten path and a mix of several of the Bard’s works.

She also noted that the play would be giving a ‘dream-like’ quality to the flow of scenes. It was indeed as she described. The effect was interesting and entertaining.

The cast seemed to enjoy the experience as well, and that reflected in their art. All did a fine job of performing, and remembering the diverse mixture of lines, not an easy chore under any circumstances.

Three remarkable actors stood out in this production.

Jonathan Allen exuded pathos and a delightful sense of the intended humor in his portrayal of ‘Bottom,’ a character from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

His booming voice is a reflection of hi larger-than-life presence, and yet there is a softness in him that makes the comedy work to his advantage. Allen has a fantastic singing vice, but the audience only heard a small sample of it. He also did will in his other roles, and was a convincing “Caesar,” attempting to make light of his wife’s dream, warning of his impending death.

John-Printes Davis began the play as ‘Puck,’ also from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

He was impish, playful and just a touch of evil in this role. That is precisely the nature of the character. From the child-like ways of the sprite leaping about, to the grief, fear and rage of Hamlet, Davis displayed diversity in his ability as a performer that few develop in a lifetime of study.

As Othello, he was the offended husband that must kill his wife to retain his dignity.

Last, but by no mean least, is newcomer Dana Hanley. Hanley gave the role of Helena a melancholy tone of Demetrius’s jilted lover; Juliet, the touch of young love and fear of the potion not working as planned; and Desdemona, the tortured pleading of this wife of Othello, wrongly accused and not ready to die.

Falling unconscious as Juliet, and waking as Desdemona, could have been confusing to the audience had it not been for Hanley remaining true to each of the characters. Hanley died beautifully, twice; a flawless performance by a gifted young actress.

Those who stayed away because they are not fans of Shakespeare, or because they are Bard-purists, missed an entertaining evening. Sometimes, it is not only the play, but also the players that determine what is worthwhile. Carter chose an excellent cast and brought out the best inn the.

“Shakespeare in Pieces” was a complete success.

Grade: A

—Cynthia Praefke
Staff Writer

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